Committee aims for improved rainkings

PAPUA New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) president Sir John Dawanincura says Team PNG’s goal for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics is for each athlete to improve their rankings.
He said during SP Brewery’s sponsorship presentation on Tuesday that winning an Olympic medal would be their goal for future Games.
However, Sir John said the Tokyo Olympics was all about improvement.
“Usually we get questions on what results we aim to achieve in the Olympics,” he said.
“I simply say, ‘we have a vision’. And that is to finish better from where we were in previous Olympics.
“Our athletes have improved in their respective codes in the previous three Olympics. So we are knocking on the door and that’s a great achievement.
“Very soon, we will have a clear space and we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“We have been successful in the Commonwealth Games so far.
“For the Olympics, we are looking at the future. For this one (Tokyo Olympics), it’s more about improving.”Meanwhile, PNGOC secretary general Auvita Rapilla said Team PNG had faced challenges in preparing for the global showpiece event.
She thanked their sponsors for helping the team prepare well despite those challenges.
“It has been extremely challenging, given the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting international and local competitions,” Rapilla said.
“Not only us, but other countries as well.
“We’ve been fortunate to have the support of the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports programme.
“They have been able to fund and help our athletes to go to Australia and train under high performance programmes.”