DWU to host 2026 national varsity soccer games
Divine Word University has been confirmed by the National University Sports Association to host this year’s PNG National University Soccer Games from June 22-26 in Madang.
The tournament will bring together student athletes and officials from universities across the country for a week of inter-varsity competition and interaction.
University President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs has welcomed the opportunity to host the games and expressed the university’s preparedness.
He said; “We are delighted to receive students from other universities and to share these days of friendship, competition and learning. Sports is more than winning a game. It teaches discipline, respect, courage, fairness and perseverance. It helps us discover our strength, accept our limits and support one another as a team.
“May your time at DWU build new friendships, strengthen unity amongst our universities and inspire excellence both on and off the field.”
Student Services Director at DWU, Alfred Ruene said preparations are well in place, with focus on students’ welfare, accommodation, logistics and overall event coordination and delivery of the games.
“This event is particularly significant because the PNG National University Games is traditionally hosted by state-run universities such as the UPNG, Unitech, UOG, and the UNRE," Ruene said.
"This is the first time a private university has been selected to host the event. DWU is honoured to be the first private university entrusted with hosting the national university sporting competition."
Divine Word University is working closely with PNGUSA, participating universities and relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth planning and delivery of the tournament.
Universities expected to participate in the four days’ sporting fest include the University of Papua New Guinea [UPNG], University of Technology [Unitech], University of Goroka [UOG], University of Natural Resources and Environment [UNRE], Divine Word University [DWU], Western Pacific University [WPU], Pacific Adventist University [PAU], IBS University [IBSU], and the Innovative University of Enga [IUE].
The PNG National University Games was commonly known as the Intervarsity Games before and was a biannual competition that provide a platform for student-athletes from the various tertiary institutions in the country to compete whilst promoting friendship, collaboration and health competition.
Following a period of inactivity, the games were revised in 2024 with soccer and basketball, which were played during the Semester One break.
Unitech in Lae played host to soccer whilst UPNG in Port Moresby hosted basketball.
The successful return of the Games marks an important milestone in the revitalisation of university sports in Papua New Guinea.
The 2026 edition of the soccer tournament is expected to build on this momentum and further strengthen participation and inter-varsity engagement.