PNG Kickboxing Federation grows Membership, welcoming Central Province as 16th Affiliate

The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) is celebrating a significant expansion in its national footprint and membership, officially welcoming the Central Province Kickboxing Association (CPKBA) as its 16th affiliated provincial body. 

This new affiliation swells the PNGKF's total confirmed membership to over 8,000 members across 16 provinces, signaling a strong resurgence of the sport nationwide. 

PNGKBF Founding President and kickboxing legend, Mr. Stanley Nandex, extended a warm welcome to the new executives of the Central Province association, highlighting the importance of grassroots leadership. 

The election was successfully conducted by the PNGKBF and the Female Kickboxing League, with all the executives representing four different kickboxing clubs in Central Province, which are: Gimabo Kickboxing Club, Beast Kickboxing Club, Tandaku Kickboxing Club, and Mataungan Kickboxing Club.  

The newly endorsed executives of the Central Province Kickboxing Association are: 

1. President - Chief Charlie Kubei 

2. Vice President - Vincent Toliman (Mataungan Kickboxing Club) 

3. Secretary - Vilma Madangah (Beast Kickboxing Club) 

4. Treasurer - Allan Spenture (GBC Central Province) 

5. Coordinator - Billy Kevapo (Coach/Trainer, Beast Kickboxing Club)

Newly elected President, Mr. Charlie Kubei, expressed his gratitude to the PNGKBF for conducting the election and to finally have their association established, saying: “Central province was just like the trailer of the vehicle following NCDC around in its programs and activities, which we did not have the opportunity to do.

“Since we have the association, we should program our own events in conjunction with the PNGKBF. The challenge is already ahead with the preparation for the 22nd November event together with the preparations for the 2026 PNG Unity Games in SHP.” 

Coordinator-elect, Mr. Billy Kavavo, is a relieved person after all these years of working hard to develop the kickboxing clubs and to see the association finally being established. Besides other sports in Central, Mr. Kavao said kickboxing would find its place and expects to introduce the code to all LLGs and council wards in the province.

Mr. Nandex noted the positive trend in membership has been steadily climbing back toward its peak. 

"Our membership had dropped from 12,500 members across 18 provinces between 2001 and 2009 after I retired in 2009,” Nandex said. 

“However, from 2020 to 2025, the interest has picked up again. The federation is determined to establish more clubs and associations in the provinces." 

In addition to Central Province, Nandex also confirmed the re-establishment of the Bougainville Kickboxing Association, which had been inactive for over a decade due to internal issues. 

Bougainville’s Kickboxing President, Ivan Gasi, assured Nandex that their programs would resume immediately and that they are already preparing for a major national event in December 2025.

While celebrating the growth, Nandex underscored the urgent need for financial support to sustain development programs. 

"There are a lot of talents being identified, but due to a lack of funding, we can’t manage to run club championships, district games, and provincial tournaments as part of our development pathways," Nandex explained. 

The Headhunter stressed that these competitions are crucial for nurturing emerging talent and providing a clear path for athletes. 

Furthermore, Mr. Nandex called on the new executives to maintain strong unity and integrity, issuing a clear warning: "I warn the executives to work together to provide good leadership to take the association forward.

“Kickboxing is a disciplined sport, so I encourage you all to teach and practice those values and instill discipline and purpose in the lives of the youths through the kickboxing platforms.”  

He also expressed the necessity for coaches and trainers to attain further international training to effectively teach and run kickboxing clubs and schools under the associations, ensuring international standards are maintained. 

Meanwhile, the official launch of the Central Province Kickboxing Association is scheduled for 22nd November 2025, together with the Trial Championships featuring NCD versus Central Kickboxing showdown. The association is expected to invite the Central Provincial Governor, Hon. Rufina Peter MP, to officially officiate the event. 

PC: Supplied