PM's Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Challenge Tips off Preseason Tonight

Following the successful launch of the inaugural Prime Minister's Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Challenge on May 6th, 2025, the new competition is set to host its opening round of the preseason tonight (May 15) at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.

This initiative is part of BFPNG’s broader community engagement program, ‘The Basketball for Good Program’, which motivates individuals at all levels to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, thereby contributing positively to society. 

A total of thirty teams comprising 15 men and 15 women will compete in their respective divisions for three months, with the finals slated for September 11, 2025, which will coincide with PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16.    

The concept was initiated by Prime Minister James Marape, in collaboration with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), under the theme ‘Health is Wealth’, aiming to promote healthy living and honoring former PNG basketball legends.

BFPNG President David Peter emphasized that basketball is a family-oriented sport, having no discrimination but embracing everyone to enjoy the game, with a focus on living a healthy lifestyle.

“The Golden Oldies is a new concept for us at the federation (BFPNG), but I believe it’s one of the important concepts and the federation is excited to launch and drive this competition,” Peter explained. 

“This competition will feature fifteen men's and women’s teams for ages 45 and above, so it’s about the people who have a passion for basketball, and also highlights the importance of staying active and healthy at any age.

“We want to send the message out to everyone that basketball is a sport for people of all ages, families, kids, or everybody to participate in. It’s a sport where both men and women can play. There’s no discrimination of race, gender, religious alignment, or political alignment.”

Meanwhile, five games to be played tonight in the men’s and women’s divisions are as follows:

• Jester Vs Lakwa Stingray - 6-6:30PM (Men)

• Next 40+ Vs Exodus Legends - 6:30-7PM (Women)

• Next 40+ Vs Naura - 7-7:30PM (Men)

• Southside Naura Vs Wave - 7:30-8PM (Women)

• Over the Hill Gang Vs Tamaraws - 8-8:30PM (Men)