That was the number racked up by the hosts of the previous edition of the Games, New Caledonia, four years ago.

The last time Papua New Guinea staged the multi-sport event in 1991, also in Port Moresby, the country topped the medal standings with 43 golds.

Richard Kassman, Papua New Guinea’s Chef de Mission, said the team’s strategy this year is to enter in every sport with the view to making the most of competing on home soil.

Papua New Guinea finished second behind hosts Australia at last month's Oceania Athletics Championships, which took place at Barlow Park in Cairns. 

“Based on our recent regional results at Oceania Championships and team competitions, we have done very well and are very well prepared,” he told PNG Loop.

Kassman believes Papua New Guinea’s biggest advantage over other Pacific Island countries is having its athletes train at the High Performance Training Centre in Port Moresby, which provides facilities in the areas of physiotherapy, and strength and conditioning among others.

Papua New Guinea has now finalised its 780-strong delegation, which comprises 574 athletes and 206 officials.

As many as 3,000 athletes from 21 nations are set to compete across 28 different sports at the Pacific Games, which are due to take place from July 4 to 18.


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