Historical Moment for Talasea Athletics

Fourteen athletes from West New Britain’s Talasea District, under the Talasea Athletics Association, have made history for their district by being the first team to travel to the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, for the 64th Track & Field National Championships, which starts today and will end on Sunday (5-7 December 2025).

The Team Manager, Reuben Tuka, mentioned that though it would be the first time for some of his athletes to compete at such a high-level tournament, they are ready for the challenge.

"The journey has been long, hard, and full of sacrifices, but this has not dampened our spirits; it has only ignited a fire that will burn even brighter," he stated. 

Most of the athletes are raw talents identified through the association’s development pathway, which specifically targets schools within the Talasea District.

"Out of the 14 athletes, only 3 have previously competed at the national athletics championships, while the other 11 are raw talents identified through our athletics development pathway that targets schools," Mr Tuka said.

"The majority of our athletes reside in the villages of Kilu, Patanga, Namova, and Morokea, with only a few in Kimbe town.”

Meanwhile, the Talasea Athletics Association acknowledged the Heavenly Father and extended its appreciation to the WNB Governor Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, Talasea MP Hon. Freddie Reu Kumai, and the Talasea DDA. 

The association also expressed gratitude to Kimbe Market Authority, Didiman Stoa/KBSA, the Talasea Athletics Board, Patanga Primary School, Walindi Primary School, Walindi Resort, technical officials, and the parents of the athletes for their support. 

"Your assistance has enabled the team to attend the 64th Track & Field National Athletics Championship at NSI, Goroka," concluded Tuka.

PC: Rueben Tuka