Touch Federation Papua New Guinea

14th April 2026

Press statement: PNG Touch Open Teams withdraw from 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup

Papua New Guinea Touch Open Team will not be participating at the forthcoming (April 23-26) 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup in Mudgee, NSW, Australia.

The decision being made to have all three national teams not to attend the tournament was because of lack of sponsorship support.

The general team management together with Touch Federation of PNG (TFPNG) collectively discussed and took into detail the necessary costs involved in the team’s travel and participation at the tournament and made the decision not to attend.

One of the contributing factors as well is the lack of financial report in which the PNG Touch Open management to the 2024 Touch World Cup led by general team manager Andrew Oli and Vavine Yore failed to provide. Their failure in providing the report has resulted in government stakeholders and businesses houses losing confidence in supporting the national team.

TFPNG has formally notified all the players, coaches and team managers of the decision being made to pull out from the tournament and assured everyone they will still have the opportunity to represent the country in other future upcoming tournaments.

Meanwhile TFPNG and the PNG Touch Open general team management also take this time to sincerely thank all sponsors, TFPNG affiliates, parents, guardians and stakeholders including PNG Sports Foundation (both High Performance and Venue Management) for supporting the team during its train-on camp held earlier this year.

Preparation for future international competitions, including the 2028 World Cup in New Zealand, is now a key focus for Touch Federation of Papua New Guinea (TFPNG).

The TFPNG said this in a statement when urging for corporate support to attend the Asia Pacific Open in Australia next month.

Read More: https://tvwan.com.pg/news/8807

🏉 2026 National Touch Championship Announcement
The Touch Federation of Papua New Guinea is pleased to announce that the 2026 National Touch Championship will be hosted in Port Moresby after a successful bid by Corporate Touch Port Moresby.
The championship will take place in September during the Term 3 school holidays, allowing associations, players, and families ample time to plan and participate.
We thank all associations that expressed interest in hosting. The evaluation report has been shared with Presidents for transparency and understanding of the assessment process.
We look forward to another exciting national championship as teams from across Papua New Guinea come together to compete, connect, and celebrate the growth of Touch Football.
More event details, including exact dates will be further updated.

27 February 2026

Press statement: PNG Open Division Final squads named for Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup 2026

PNG Open Division touch final squads have been named for the upcoming Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup 2026 tournament in Sydney.

Following a four-days train-on squad training camp being held in Port Moresby last week, players undergo two days of testing and screening sessions with the PNG Sports Foundation’s High Performance at Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre including two days of field sessions at Sir John Guise stadium.

Each player was assess during High Performance and field sessions and the final score of each player was the determining factor involved in selections.

A handful of the players met the required standard expected during High Performance training whilst some players did not fully execute what was expected of them during field sessions.

Australian based players under the Queensland Paia association also went through similar sessions and video footages was taken to fully assess the players.

Thorough assessments and ratings of each player was carried out and every player being named in the final squad will now represent PNG in the upcoming FIT (Federation of International Touch) sanctioned four days tournament.

Players being selected will have to ensure their passports is ready and levy fees also being met.

Those who have missed out on the selection still have another opportunity to prove themselves again for selection at this year’s National Touch Championship for a spot in the national team for the next upcoming representative tournament.

PNG Open Mens: Andrew Turlom, Lennon Arua, Joel Gura, David Arua, Sam Hoki, Freddy Gelam, Jason Akama, Vali Daniel, Manuel Abraham, Macky Haro, Joe Angom, Nama Alu, Jessie Manasseh, Valentine Kaprangi.

PNG Open Womens: Mangai Elomi, Angela Geno, Linster Matamon, Aida Alu, Marie Hoki, Jasmine Arua, Jemimah Hetora, Monica Teite, Kenisha Beeps, Vasnie Nakandaul, Ciara Hill, Dallas Hill.

PNG Open Mix: James Maim, Ravu Ravu, Shane Johannes, Darius Yung, Dakoda Yung, Javahn Poa, Joby Oiki, Cida Steven, John Kairi, Sophia Artang, Christine Ovia, Elizabeth Ari, Malia Ruri, Kaia Skeen.

The Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup 2026 will be hosted by Touch Football Australia at the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, Mudgee, NSW, Australia, from April 23-26.

27 February 2026

Press statement: PNG Touch Open train-on squad training camp backed with sponsorships

TOUCH Federation of PNG (TFPNG) received timely sponsorships towards its four-days train-on squad training camp last week in Port Moresby.

JJ Ship Equip Agencies Limited based in Lae and Nelson Kopunye Lawyers based in Port Moresby both supported the training camp with K2600 and K1000 respectively.

The sponsorship was utilized in purchasing meals, transportation, High Performance Training with PNG Sports Foundation as well as airline tickets for one of the team’s coaching staff.

“The JJSHIP Equip has been a consistent and valued supporter of Touch Football, including during the transition into the new administration last year.”

“Their commitment to the sport has remained strong, and we sincerely acknowledge their contribution as one of our major sponsors during the 2025 National Touch Championship held in Lae.”

“Their partnership played a significant role in the successful delivery of that event,” said Kuimp.

He said TFPNG PNG also extends heartfelt appreciation to Kopunye Lawyers for their timely cash assistance towards the training preparations.

“At a time when support was critically needed, their contribution helped subsidize training costs and ease the financial burden on our players and management.”

“Their support demonstrates a genuine commitment to the development of Touch Football in Papua New Guinea,” said Kuimp.

Nelson Kopunye of Kopunye Lawyers is also the president of NCD Touch Association. He wished the team best of luck in the preparation leading up to the tournament.

He further extended his support with the sponsorship of playing boots for players who make the final squad.

The four-days train-on squad training camp will see a final squad to be announced soon to take part in the 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup in Mudgee, NSW, Australia from April 23-26.

27 February 2026

Press statement: Chief James Pang GCL OBE supports PNG Touch Open train-on squad training camp

Chief James Pang GCL OBE, owner of Rapopo Plantation Resort and Sanctuary Hotel, Resort & Spa recently assisted Touch Federation of PNG (TFPNG) with accommodation sponsorship towards the PNG Touch Open Division train-on squad training camp.

Chief Pang’s sponsorship included a rent-free executive house, water, electricity, sleeping beds including cooking utensils which greatly assisted visiting players from TFPNG’s associations like K92 Touch, Lae Corporate Touch, Owan Touch, Popondetta Touch and Ijivitari Touch.

The four-bedroom property located at 2-mile Hill in Port Moresby offers a spectacular sunset and sunrise view of the Walter Bay also gave players are sense of relaxation and reflection after attending the four days training camp.

The property is also known to be the away home base for the ENB Agmark Gurias who participate in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition.

TFPNG president Steven Kuimp expressed great appreciation towards the support by Chief Pang.
“Our sincere appreciation to Chief Pang GCK OBE for the support,” said Kuimp.

“Touch Football PNG has a strong history of representing Papua New Guinea with pride at regional and international competitions, and our Open Men’s, Open Women’s and Mixed teams are recognized as consistent medal contenders.”

The train-on squad training camp which commenced on February 19 till 22 ended with a farewell barbeque at the property.

TFPNG once again acknowledges Chief James Pang for the generous sponsorship.

Use Social Media Responsibly

As discussed at the AGM in Lae in December 2024, all members, officials, players, and affiliates must use social media responsibly. Social media can have a positive or negative impact, and everyone must be prepared to take responsibility for the content they post, share, or endorse.

If you have grievances or concerns, the proper channel is to raise them with the Executive through the appropriate processes, or formally at the AGM. Social media is not the correct forum for resolving internal matters.
If you have personal differences with someone, address them directly and privately. Do not use TFPNG or any of its units as a platform for personal issues. Doing so does not benefit the code and undermines unity and trust.

Players may express views strictly in their capacity as players and only on their own behalf. Administrative and leadership roles carry greater responsibility and require careful consideration of the broader impact on the organisation and the sport.

A Code of Conduct will be issued to all affiliated associations for executives to sign and and adhered to as a condition of affiliation. Breaches may result in disciplinary action in accordance with TFPNG policies.

Your turn will come at the right time. In the meantime, individuals are making genuine sacrifices to address long-standing challenges within the code. Before engaging in criticism, ask yourself: If I were in that role, would I realistically be able to solve these problems?

This is not about individuals. It is about protecting the integrity, credibility, and future of the sport. When misinformation or personal narratives are shared publicly, stakeholders can be misled, trust is damaged, and the code suffers.

Be constructive. Contribute ideas, solutions, and support that genuinely help grow and strengthen Touch Football PNG.
Thank you for the understanding.

End//

Here's an opportunity and be recognized

OSEP 2026 Courses Now Open! 🇵🇬

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is rolling out the Oceania Sport Education Program (OSEP) courses for 2026, supporting capacity building and readiness for upcoming Team PNG events.

These courses are open to all National Federations, with priority given to those preparing athletes, coaches, managers, and administrators for Team PNG duties.
OSEP 2026 includes pathways for Administration and Coaching

📅 Nominations Close: 20th February 2026

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Let’s continue strengthening PNG sport through world‑class education and development.

19 January 2026

Press statement: TFPNG announces coaches, trainers and team management officials for Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup 2026.

TOUCH Federation of Papua New Guinea has officially announced the coaches, trainers and team managers for PNG Touch National teams.

The coaches will be in charge of mentoring the three respective teams, Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Mix Open, leading up to the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup 2026 tournament which will be hosted in April (23-26) in Mudgee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

TFPNG after announcing its train-on squad, a formal notice was sent out to all associations on Wednesday January 14 calling on applications to be sent in for coaches, team managers and trainers.

Since close of application on Friday January 16, TFPNG went through screening the applications and made the appointments based on selection criteria.

The appointed coaching, trainers and team management officials are; Andrew Ari Peter (Open Men’s coach) Martin Joffey (Open Mix coach) Geoffrey Agum (Open Women’s coach) Eugene Eka (trainer) Johannes Dame (trainer) Simon Nuabo (Open Men’s team manager) Elmo Pasiro (Open Mix team manager) Samuel Kenny (Open Women team manager) Dia Muri (High Performance/physio).

Meanwhile, the appointed coaches will now work alongside the trainers and team management in preparation for next month’s (February 19-22) training camp in Port Moresby.

The final squad will be announced straight after the training camp. Players must also ensure they have their personal documents like passports, NID and birth certificates.

ENDS///

11th January 2026

PRESS STATEMENT: TFPNG announces PNG Touch Open men’s and women’s train-on squads.

TOUCH Federation of Papua New Guinea (TFPNG) is pleased to announce the PNG Touch Open men’s and women’s train-on squad for the 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup.

The squad consisting of 59 players will attend a training camp in Port Moresby next month (February 19-22). The Mixed Open team will be made up of players from both squads.

TFPNG President Steven Kuimp said both squads have been identified to prepare for the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup, scheduled for 24–27 April in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia.

“The selected players represent a group of raw, exciting, and predominantly young talent, identified for their potential and long-term development.”

“TFPNG’s focus is to build and invest in this next generation of athletes to ensure sustained competitiveness at regional and international levels.”

“TFPNG acknowledges that a number of elite players missed out on this initial selection.”

“Those players, along with emerging talents nationwide, will have the opportunity to compete for final squad selection at the National Championship in September 2026, which will serve as a key pathway toward representing Papua New Guinea at the 2028 Touch World Cup in New Zealand,” said Kuimp.

He said this selection marks an important step in TFPNG’s long-term athlete development strategy, prioritising exposure, experience, and structured preparation for future international tournaments.

“TFPNG thanks all athletes, coaches, selectors, and associations for their continued commitment to the growth of touch football in Papua New Guinea,” said Kuimp.

Meanwhile coaching staff including team management will be made known at a later date.

Players selected from associations like Ijivitari, NCD, Kainantu, Corporate Touch Port Moresby, Lae Corporate, Queensland Paia, Popondetta and Owan.

MEN’S OPEN TRAIN-ON SQUAD LIST

PLAYER NAME ASSOCIATION

1. ANDREW TURLOM LCTA
2. JAMES MAIM LCTA
3. JASON AKAMA LCTA
4. JOEL GURA LCTA
5. VALENTINE KAPRANGI LCTA
6. JOE ANGOM LCTA
7. JESSIE MANASEH LCTA
8. FREDDY GELAM CTPM
9. SAM OKI CTPM
10. JASPER SIUTA CTPM
11. SHANE JOHANNESH CTPM
12. RAVU RAVU CTPM
13. JOHN KAIRI NCD
14. JOHN ROBERT NCD
15. DANIEL KENNETH NCD
16. VALI DANIEL NCD
17. DAVID ARUHA JNR NCD
18. JOBY OIKO OWAN
19. CIDA STEVEN OWAN
20. JOSEPH UDURU PTA
21. LENNON ARUA PTA
22. THEO IROROBA PTA
23. MANUEL ABRAHAM ITA
24. NAMA ALU ITA
25. ALEX ROLKEREA JNR ITA
26. PARO JOE ITA
27. MACKY HARO ITA
28. JEROD DAWA ITA
29. DARIUS YUNG QPAIA
30. DAKODA YUNG QPAIA
31. JAVAHN POA QPAIA
32. EDWARD AILA QPAIA
33. NANDEX DISEN K92
34. RANDY TOM K92
35. EZEKIEL KARA K92

WOMENS OPEN TRAIN ON SQUAD LIST

PLAYER NAME ASSOCIATION

1. MANGAI ELOMI CTPM
2. ANGELA GENO CTPM
3. LINSTER MATAMON CTPM
4. AIDA ALU CTPM
5. MARIE HOKI CTPM
6. MILDRED ATARAPA ITA
7. FAYLYN APISAI ITA
8. JANE ASI ITA
9. CYLVIA SIYAWA ITA
10. SOPHIA ARTANG LCTA
11. CHRISTINE OVIA LCTA
12. KENISHA BEEPS LCTA
13. ELIZABETH ARI LCTA
14. HELIANNA KOHUN LCTA
15. JASMINE ARUA OWAN
16. JEMIMAH HETORA OWAN
17. MONICA TEITE NCD
18. CIARA HILL QPAIA
19. MALIA RURI QPAIA
20. KAIA SKEEN QPAIA
21. VASNIE NAKANDUAL QPAIA
22. DALLAS HILL QPAIA
23. ALMA DANNY K92
24. VESNA BABANKI K92

ENDS///////////

05 January 2026

Press statement: 2026 National Touch Championship hosting rights Bid now open

TOUCH Federation of PNG (TFPNG) is pleased to formally invite all its affiliates to submit their Bid for the 2026 National Touch Championship Hosting rights.

TFPNG president Steven Kuimp said this is inline with a resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted last year during the National Touch Championship in Lae.

“This championship is a premier national event on the TFPNG calendar and plays a vital role in player development, final national team selection for 2028 world cup and pathways, and the overall growth of touch football in Papua New Guinea,” said Kuimp.

He said the TFPNG Bidding Form – 2026 National Touch Championship, which outlines the required information and criteria, including but not limited to:

1. Bidder’s general information and key contact details

2. Proposed event details and dates (23–27 September 2026)

3. Venue facilities

4. Accommodation and transportation arrangements

5. Event management and logistical capacity

“Interested Associations are requested to carefully complete the bidding form and submit it to TFPNG within the stipulated timeframe outlined in the document.”

“All bids will be assessed fairly and transparently by the TFPNG Executive in accordance with the approved hosting criteria.”

“TFPNG strongly encourage Associations with the capacity and vision to host this national event to take this opportunity to showcase their region and contribute to the continued development of touch football in PNG,” said Kuimp.

Submission Deadline: 28th February 2026

Submitted to: TFPNG General Secretary

Submission by Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Copies of the Bid Form has been emailed to all the TFPNG affiliates.

ENDS///////