Leftovers Crowned ITI Village Volleyball Tournament Champions

The Leftovers team from Zone 3 in Hanuabada village were declared champions of the International Training Institute (ITI) Village Volleyball Tournament following their 3-1 sets win over the Duk-C side in the Men’s Grand Final on Friday, June 6th, 2025, at Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Center.

Both sides had a couple of former and current PNG representatives, but the Leftover men proved too strong against the Duk-C outfit, dominating the four-set series and blowing them off the court to claim the championship glory. 

Leftovers had an unbeaten run from the get-go until the big dance, imposing their presence and stealing the spotlight. They were relentless and merciless on the court, easily dominating and smashing their opponents.

The National Capital District Volleyball Association (NCDVA) President and Leftovers coach Wally Irau knew the strength and quality of his players, crediting them for their well-deserved victory over the spirited Duk-C side.

“We had a very good game. The boys did very well, dominating all four sets. A couple of my boys are in the national selection so given their experience, they proved too strong against Duk-C. I’m happy and we look forward to defending the title next year,” Irau expressed. 

The eventual champions (Leftovers) joined the annual ITI Village Volleyball tourney in 2023, bowing out in the semi-finals. The tournament was not hosted last year but made its return this year, with the Leftovers immediately flexing their muscles to clinch the top honors. 

Additionally, the ITI Village Volleyball Tournament started in 2017, running smoothly for three years. However, it suddenly halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2023 after a three-year hiatus.  

As part of ITI’s community engagement or social responsibility, the institution has been assisting the athletes of the Motuan coastlines, proudly sponsoring the volleyball tournament since 2017. 

Teams from the four zones along the Motuan coastlines that participated in the one-week tournament were Vabukori, Kirakira, Hanuabada, and Tatana villages.

Meanwhile, in the women’s grand final showdown, Duk-C emerged victorious after defeating the Leftover girls with a 3-1 set. The Leftovers reigned supreme in the men's decider while Tuk-C prevailed over the Leftovers in the women's big dance.

The champions of both divisions (men & women) walked away with a trophy and K3,000 cash prize money respectively, while the runners-up received K2,000 and the third-placed teams got K1,000 each.

ITI Marketing Director, Rose Semi, said it was part of the institution’s corporate responsibility to give back to the community, expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the tournament. She congratulated the champions and assured the teams that ITI would continue its support next year and into the future.