Tkatchenko first raised the idea of launching a bid last year following Papua New Guinea’s successful hosting of the Pacific Games, which saw 3,000 athletes from 24 countries compete in 28 sports.

The suggestion has now re-emerged after the conclusion of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup earlier this month, with the tournament marking the first time the country have held a global sporting event.

Competition took place at four venues, including the 17,000 capacity National Football Stadium.

The stadium is due to host three matches at next year’s Rugby League World Cup, which is also taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

Tkatchenko believes the experience gained by staging these events could show that the Pacific Island has the ability to stage the Commonwealth Games at some point in the future.

"I cannot see why we cannot host it,” Tkatchenko said, according to Radio New Zealand.

“It will cost the country a fair amount of money and at this point in time it's not a viable choice, because of the funding side of things.

“But it's something that we will definitely look at in the future and bid for.

"I would love to see the Commonwealth Games being hosted here in Papua New Guinea - I am sure our people would embrace it.

“I'm sure our government at the time will go for it, it's something that will definitely unite the country, the Pacific and the whole of the Commonwealth together in our beautiful country Papua New Guinea.”

Samoa hosted the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games, but as yet no Pacific island has ever staged or bid for the Commonwealth Games.

The event has been staged in Australia on four occasions and New Zealand three.

Australia will host the Games, which usually feature athletes from 71 countries and territories, for a record fifth time at Gold Coast 2018.