5 female fighters among 11 for Vanimo challenge

THE National Capital District Boxing Association (NCDBA) released the names of fighters on Wednesday to represent the NCD at the national championships in Vanimo, Sandaun province, from April 1-5.
NCD fighters’ team manager Smith Yonny, after receiving the list from NCDBA president Honk Kiap, said there would be an increase in the number for fighters from NCD this year.
Out of the five clubs in NCD, 11 fighters, including seven men and five women fighters, will be representing the NCD at the national championships.
The event, which was earlier scheduled for last year, had to be deferred to April due the PNG Games in Port Moresby last November.
The event is a venue to select fighters to represent Papua New Guinea at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, in October.
The NCD fighters were selected after their outstanding performances at the PNG Games last year.
The fighters are Jack Willie (48kg), Ivan Sikwaleta (51kg), Mark Keto (54kg), Mack Hari (57kg), Bulu Yonny (60kg), Chico Emmanuel (64kg), and Moses Ririan in the men’s division.
The women’s category has Priscilla Efi (57kg), Lydia Kemane (60kg), Debbie Kaore (70kg) and Sylvia Kengemar (75kg).
Out of the fighters selected for the event Yonny, Emmanuel and Efi will be making their debut in the tournament.
Those fighters who  missed out will be travelling to Alotau, Milne Bay province, at a later date for the Southern Region championships.
“Those who will attend the championships are all junior fighters and should perform brilliantly,” Yonny said.
Fighters attending the championships are Andrew Jomini (51kg), Spencer Francis (54kg), Junior Kauku (57kg), Tau Vanere (60kg), John Jerry (64kg), Philemon Togugua (48kg) and Brian Kaupa (57kg).
“Now that the fighters have been selected squad training will begin next Monday at the Murray Barracks gymnasium. All fighters are urged to attend,” he said.