Taekwondo names train-on squad

 By PETER SEVARA Jr

TAEKWONDO Papua New Guinea named its final train-on team in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games on Saturday at the Port Moresby International School hall.

German-born coaching expert, Andy Rutten, who spent the last week in PNG honing the national athletes, said it was an important day for PNG taekwondo.

“My job here is to see the best of the A Team and B Team and I have been honing their ability. 

“Some have missed out and I warn those who are in the team not to slack off,” Rutten said. 

“My goal is to make medals for your country through hard training. 

“From your overall performance, I have seen how tough you are and your enthusiasm and I know that we will be able to defeat countries like Australia and New Zealand.”

A number of athletes received coaching certificates as part of the preparations towards the Pacific Games on Saturday. 

PNG Taekwondo president Peter Miria thanked everyone who made the effort to see that taekwondo excelled and congratulated the final team. The A Team is made up of first choice fighters, while the B Team is made up of reserves in case of injuries to fighters in the A Team.

A Team: Male – (Under-54kg) Bobby Willie, Max Kassman, (U63kg) Rainner Peni, (U68kg) Henry Ori, (U74kg) Jonathan Paskalis, (U80kg) Colland Kokin, (U87kg) Ivan Kassman, (87kg plus) Sam Ware; Female – (U46kg) Rose Tona, (U53kg) Theresa Tona, Under Doris David, (U63kg) Stephanie Kombo, U67kg) Samantha Kassman. B Team: Male – (U54kg) Jack Ninifo, (U58kg) Dauba Dauba, (U63kg) Steven Tommy, (U68kg) Anton Aitsi, (U80kg) Junior Nohu, (U87kg) Brendon Nema, Chatterton Roberts; Female – (U49kg) Rayheb Loi, (U53kg) Lillian Johe,  (U57kg) Doris David, (U63kg) Noelene Hetana, (U67kg) Caroline Aitsi.