First group of contingent set to leave for Japan

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE first group of athletes and officials in Team Papua New Guinea’s 20-member Olympic contingent will leave for Japan on Saturday, according to an official.
Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) secretary-general Auvita Rapilla said yesterday that eight athletes and 12 officials would be part of Team PNG with all athletes currently in isolation.
“They (athletes) have to isolate in preparation for their departure, it’s one of the requirements,” she said.
“PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests started this week and all those tests are required by the Tokyo organising committee prior to our departure.
“When we arrive, there will be testing done.
“The first lot of athletes and officials will leave on Saturday with the chef de mission, Tamzin Wardley.
“The officials will be managing the team which is the general team management and medical team.”
Rapilla said PNG qualified four athletes for the Olympics which included Morea Baru and Dika Toua for weightlifting along with siblings Teariki and Rose-Lee Numa in sailing.
Three more athletes entered through universality slots according to their rankings and performances, which included Rellie Kaputin (athletics), Ryan Maskelyne and Judith Meauri (swimming).