Sporting future mapped out as PNGOC releases 2025–2032 plan

PNGOC members during the Annual General Assembly in Port Moresby, where the plan was unveiled *(Image: PNGOC)*

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee [PNGOC] has launched an ambitious eight-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the nation's sporting performance and institutional capacity ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Unveiled during PNGOC’s Annual General Assembly on Sunday, the strategic document titled "2032 – Powered by Purpose!" sets out a comprehensive vision for the future of sport in Papua New Guinea, with a strong emphasis on athlete development, organisational growth, and international competitiveness.

The new plan was developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across the sporting ecosystem, including Member Federations, partners, and Team PNG athletes and officials.

President Emma Waiwai described the plan as both pragmatic and ambitious, underscoring the Committee’s commitment to national athletes and the broader sports community.

"We believe in our purpose, and in the values, strategic priorities, success indicators, and initiatives within this plan. Now it's time to deliver," Waiwai said.

At the heart of the strategy are three guiding principles — Athlete-Centred, Simplified, and Focused — supported by four strategic pillars:

Strengthen: Improving the governance, capacity, and financial sustainability of PNGOC and its Member Federations.

Perform: Enhancing elite athlete performance through targeted support and plans for a multi-sport High-Performance Centre of Excellence.

Deliver: Implementing programs that promote Olympic and Commonwealth values and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Host: Securing major sporting events, including a bid to host the 2035 Pacific Games and co-host the 2031 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The plan positions sport not just as a competitive pursuit but as a tool for national development, aligning its objectives with global sustainability efforts.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, PNGOC’s strategic direction aims to drive long-term growth, improve Team PNG’s international performance, and foster national pride through sport.