Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, is spearheading efforts to revive the long-delayed PNG Games in 2025, aligning it with the country’s 50th independence anniversary. The biennial sporting event, which has not been held for seven years due to logistical and financial challenges, could see a grand return under Marape’s leadership.
The government is actively engaging with key stakeholders, including the PNG Sports Foundation, the Southern Highlands provincial government, and major corporate partners ExxonMobil and Santos, to ensure the event’s success. Originally slated for the Southern Highlands, the Games faced repeated postponements over six years, attributed to incomplete venues, security concerns, and budgetary constraints.
While the next PNG Games was scheduled for 2026, Marape is determined to bring the event forward, underscoring its significance in uniting the nation during a milestone celebration. Negotiations are ongoing, and the Prime Minister’s vision has sparked optimism across the country.
Will the PNG Games 2025 become a triumphant showcase of national pride, or will the challenges of the past resurface? Stay tuned as Papua New Guinea charts its path toward an ambitious sporting revival.
