CTPM ready to host national champs

CTPM finals were completed last month ahead of the September national championships *(Image: NBC News / Jamie Haro)*

The Corporate Touch Port Moresby Association is prepared to host the 2026 National Touch Championship following a bidding rights win last year.

The championship through partnership with CTPM and Touch Football Papua New Guinea will be hosted from September 17-20 at Bisini Soccer Fields in the nation's capital.

Tournament Director David Melua said preparations are progressing well with a few more adjustments to sort and finalize by tomorrow.

“For our CTPM team, they had a short preparation period but are ready for the tournament," he said.

“Affiliates from outside centres are expected to arrive on 15–16 September, ahead of the competition starting on Thursday, 17 September."

Melua said the hosting of the 2026 tournament would not be possible without it the support of several corporate sponsors who have backed the championship.

“Our Corporate Sponsors and partners have helped elevate this year’s national championships providing that support in cash and kind," he said. "They are NCD Amazing Port Moresby, Bank South Pacific, KIK, The Sourcing Co, Tura Sports, TR7’s, Seeto Kui, Lae Biscuit and Trukai Industries.”

Meanwhile, the National championships is the pinnacle event of TFPNG where selections for the Touch Football World Cup will be taking place.

The event will see 13 affiliates, Kavieng Touch, VLAS Touch, Kimbe black Ants, Kainantu Corporate, Gateway Touch, Owan Touch, Lae Corporate Touch, Madang Touch, Huon Touch, Ijivitari Touch, NCD Touch, QPNG Paia and Host Corporate Touch Port Moresby in a come together for 4 days to compete in the highest level of touch footy in the country.