Kickboxing association prepares for national championships

By MELTON PAIS
THE Eastern Highlands Kickboxing Association is preparing its fighters for the national championships in Goroka later this month and the 2017 PNG Games in Kimbe, West New Britain, in November.
Association president Kaupa Omena confirmed that training had started earlier this month.
He called on short-listed fighters to attend the training sessions.
He also encouraged fighters who were on the reserve list to join the other fighters in training as well.
“We have about two months remaining before the PNG Games, and before that two weeks before our national championships, so we need to get ready,” Omena said.
The 16th national kickboxing championships will be held from Aug 25-27.
The event will feature some of the country’s best and most experienced fighters in the code.
Among the participants expected are Omena himself, Jeffrey Daka from Chimbu, Maxie Kanea from Port Moresby and Arunae Hanku from Goroka.
Kimberley Bovarow will lead a group of 10 female fighters from Eastern Highlands.
“As these fights are lead up events for the PNG Games, we really need to establish good fighting skills with the newer fighters,” Omena said.
He said dignitaries from the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation, including president Stanley Nandex, would be present at the national championships.