Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation (PNGHF) has named its Under-21 men’s national team (Kwilas) extended squad as they prepare to attend the U21 Junior World Cup Qualifiers in Auckland, New Zealand.
President Ray Lapun said the 45 athletes were selected to train and prepare ahead of the qualifiers set for Jan 29 to Feb 2, 2025.
PNG is also expected to introduce its first U21 women's team (Kwilas) at the 2024 Pacific Cup in Suva, Fiji, next month.
“The 45 U21 athletes will begin preparations in their respective provinces before gathering in Port Moresby for an extensive boot camp over the school holidays,” Lapun said.
“At the camp, the players will be assessed based on performance and merit before a squad of 18 is named.”
He said the Junior Kwilas were inspired by the PNG Men’s elite team (Senior Kwilas) following their silver medal win, while the women bagged bronze medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
The current elite national teams are also in training to prepare for the 2024 Pacific Cup set for Suva, Fiji next month, and will be accompanied by the U21 women's squad.
The U21 Kwilas (Men’s/Women’s) are graduates of PNGHF’s Hook in 4 Health (HI4H) program, a sport for development initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) through its umbrella Team Up, active in Morobe (Lae), East New Britain, Manus and Port Moresby.
“HI4H empowers young athletes to live well, learn well and lead well through hockey and life training skills,” Lapun said.
“Our junior Kwilas (men’s) along with our debuting U21 women's team are carrying forward the legacy of PNG Hockey, and we are excited to showcase our talents in the two international tournaments.”
U21 Junior Kwilas (Men’s) Extended Squad:
(Port Moresby): Steven Malaburgh, George Sigimata, Bently Litau, Boni Jules, Trevor Tamur, Aloesi Gris, Konileus Manuai, James Ilumpui, Jacob Potuan, Richard Twain, James Tapo Jnr, Shadrach Mapa, Sele Tamur, Philip Manuai, Chris Molgos, Hamish Doa, Wari Leana, Joshua Mano, Gilbert Guari, Isaac Domin, Emmanuel Litau, Tapas Kusunan, Nicholas Madu, Aralmedmaw Sabadi.
(Lae): Daniel Akesim, Bradley Meagana, Cleighton Nasi, Dannis Banik, Donald Nelson, Erick Irakau, Joel Perry, John Dusty, Jonah Yang, Kingstar Richard, Lawrence Tauareta, Michael Nasi, Richard Bon, Smith Kaukue, Steven Michael, and Vevekali Kila.
(ENB): Ezekiel Kamo, Stanley Roy, Bruno Thomas, Boas Mem, Joshua Luango.
U21 Junior Kwilas (Womens) Extended Squad: (Port Moresby): Konsie Lavako, Tapas John, Christine Matawan, Helen Pou, Miriam Lavako, Ashley Kiapen, Nialapan Karol, Mary Molean, Piwen Paula Pondros, Theresa Lokes, Maryanne Kiapen, Tracey Matawan, Ashley Mamane, Maryanne Mamane, Kaylyn Ila, Amelia Terrence, Francisca Pomaleu, Martha Kilepak, Petra Pomaleu, Ruth Gime, Georgina Bon, Hiris Kiapen, Molly Dusty. (Lae): Vishashmi Wowok, Esmeralda Wowok, Lucciana Bon, Jordanne Momori and Jackie Karol.
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