Governor Chan backs Taekwondo to be rolled out in schools

New Ireland Governor, the Honorable Byron Chan, MP, has announced a sponsorship pledge to Taekwondo Papua New Guinea, aiming to develop the martial arts program in New Ireland Province, especially in schools. 

Governor Chan revealed the partnership between the New Ireland Provincial Government and Taekwondo PNG on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the PNG Sports Foundation’s foyer. 

Hon. Chan announced the sponsorship, saying that his administration has not only supported taekwondo but also kickboxing, AFL, rugby league, and other sports. 

“I have recommitted my support to Taekwondo PNG as the Governor of New Ireland Province,” Chan announced.  

“We have a long association with Master Jamuga Stone, where we hosted our first tournament in 1992, so our relationship goes way back. 

“This is our commitment to him (Master Stone) and taekwondo to encourage our young sportsmen and women to get involved.” 

Governor Chan added that the provincial government plans to deliver the taekwondo program in all schools in the province.

“I’m looking at incorporating it into our school curriculum, where I think there's a future for practitioners of martial arts in New Ireland,” he said. 

“We want to introduce taekwondo into schools as part of the curriculum to promote discipline, fitness, leadership, and youth development across the province.” 

The Governor also stated that taekwondo is an Olympic sport, so they are supporting the national federation to unearth raw talent from New Ireland.

“Taekwondo is one of the sports that we are trying to focus on because it’s an Olympic sport right now,” Hon. Chan said. 

“We’ve been lucky that some of our students have been involved with the Olympic sports training.”

Taekwondo PNG Vice President and the pioneer of taekwondo in PNG, Master Jamuga Stone, expressed appreciation to Governor Chan, vowing to roll out the program in the schools. 

“I thank Governor Chan and his administration for this timely support, and I am committed to teaching, training, and spreading taekwondo in New Ireland,” Master Stone said.

“Because it’s an Olympic sport, such support will help us prepare the athletes in New Ireland to compete in the 2032 Olympic Games.”

Master Stone said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had given PNG a quota system to select three boys and three girls who will compete in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.