Volleyball association eyeing more international games

By ROBINSON LEKA
PAPUA New Guinea Volleyball Association Incorporated (PNGVAI) intends to have more international meets following the launch of the open and Under-21 national championships in Port Moresby yesterday.
Up to 30 teams a competing in the two-day tournament at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre.
“With the Covid-19 restrictions, only players and officials are allowed until Saturday,” tournament coordinator Kila Oli said.
“We have a few new teams from Mekeo, Fisherman Island (Central), Huon Gulf (Morobe) and Wewak (East Sepik).
“Selections from the championships is a requirement of PNG Olympic Committee and immediately after this tournament, names will be submitted for train-on squads for the respective divisions.
“The idea is to get our younger teams competing at the regional level and then they can take part in tournaments in Asia. It’s not always easy to send teams, we have the potential and the talent but the issue is funding.”
Meanwhile, PNGVAI president Kila Dick said the issue of funding for international meets was a major obstacle in getting PNG to be consistently competitive in the region.
He said the cost in running the championships coupled with the cost of putting together teams for international matches was always a concern.