PNG Olympic Committee President Praises Team PNG

Following PNG’s successful campaign at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) held a small ‘Welcome Reception’ for Team PNG at Kwalimu Haus in Port Moresby yesterday (July 14th, 2025). 

Competing against 23 countries featuring 14 different sports, PNG fared strongly but finished 5th on the medal tally, collecting 77 medals in total - 22 Gold, 29 Silver and 26 Bronze. PNG participated in 9 out of 14 sports but managed to finish 5th overall. 

Athletics did exceptionally well by scooping 50 medals, making up 65 percent of the medal tally, followed by Weightlifting with 14 medals, accounting for 18 percent, and the remaining 17 percent came from the other 7 codes.

PNG Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai welcomed the teams back from Palau, acknowledging their achievements at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games and thanking everyone involved.

“It is my distinct honor to welcome you all today to acknowledge not only your remarkable achievements in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, but also the enduring spirit of representing PNG during our 50th anniversary,” President Waiwai said.

“Over the past few days in Palau, our athletes have risen to the challenge and achieved incredible records in our sporting history - the setting and breaking of national records - is a testament to their courage, perseverance, and their commitment to excellence.

“The athletes represent grit, determination and years of dedication, including the support from coaches, families and management. These moments defined the limitless potential of our nation.”

Mrs. Waiwai also expressed gratitude to the Government and business houses for their support that made sure Team PNG attended the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, ending their two-week campaign on a good note.

“I want to thank the PNG Government and the 14 sponsors whose support made PNG’s participation in the Pacific Mini Games possible. Your commitment through sponsorship helped our athletes to shine and represent our country with pride,” she stated.

President Waiwai further challenged the government, athletes, coaches and national federations, highlighting that the success on the international stage depends heavily on preparation. She urged everyone to work together as they prepare for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

Meanwhile, these are the 14 core sponsors of Team PNG, whose contributions helped the athletes to participate in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau:

Trukai Industries, SP Brewery, Air Niugini, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, ExxonMobil PNG, Vodafone PNG, PacificAus Sports, Coral Sea Hotels, Theodist, IBS University, The National Newspaper, Blue 7 Team, Media Partners, Trophy Haus and Vanguard International, including behind the scenes sponsors - Port Moresby Rotary Club, Carbine Club, Brian Bell Group and City Pharmacy Limited.