Hockey PNG get K300,000 windfall

By HENRY MORABANG
HOCKEY PNG has created history in the Oceania region by claiming the Pablo Negre Trophy, a major international award given by the International Hockey Federation.
The trophy, given recently to PNG is attached to financial backing from Canadian firm Moscow Lighting valued at US$150,000 (K300,000) to the PNG Hockey Federation.
PNG Hockey Federation (PNGHF) president Kaluwin Potuan described the financial support as an early Christmas present for the players.
He said PNG finished among the top six countries – South Korea, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland and an Asian country – to win the award.
“It was not easy as the judging went down to two countries Poland and PNG. Eventually PNG won the maiden award,” he said.
He thanked the Oceania Hockey Federation (OFC), especially the development officer Jill Gemming and president Pan Elga for nominating PNG for the award.
Potuan, who is also the OHF vice-president, said it was a fitting reward for PNG for its tireless effort in developing and promoting the sport in the country.
Apart from Lae and Port Moresby, hockey has spread to Central, Eastern Highlands, Madang, Wewak, Buka and Manus.
PNGHF through its partnership OHF and other donors also conducted coaching, umpiring, sports administration and junior development in the country.
He thanked Gemming and Barry Volland of the Queensland Hockey Federation for delivering the coaching and umpiring courses for PNG technical officials.
Potuan said for record purposes, PNG is the only country in the Oceania region that successfully hosted the U18 junior championships which coincided with the national championships in Lae.
The award was presented during the Oceania Pacific Cup in Suva, Fiji, two weeks ago by IHF president Leandro Negre who attended the event.
PNGHF general secretary Thomas Kahai said the K300,000 would compliment their submission to venue, infrastructure and equipment committee for the construction of a hockey stadium in Port Moresby.
He said the Canadian-based firm would do the lightings for the stadium under this financial support