The recent 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has left a lasting legacy in Papua New Guinea for both sport and women.
Papua New Guinea Minister for Sports and National Events Justin Tkatchenko was pleased to announce the two stadiums built for the World Cup will be used by local sporting federations after the conclusion of the tournament on 3 December.
“One of the stadiums is now dedicated to PNG Football – PNGFA have their own dedicated stadium and facilities, which they never had,” Tkatchenko said.
“The other stadium at Bava Park will be utilised for touch rugby and rugby union so now those two sporting codes have a facility that they never had and can utilise.”
Tkatchenko also acknowledged that the tournament not only provided global exposure for Papua New Guinea, showing the world their ability to host an international sporting event, but it also put their young women in the spotlight and showcased the potential of Papua New Guinea women on the global stage.
“The experience that they have gained out of this competition will be a lifetime memory for them and take them to the next level,” he said.
“And hopefully inspire many other young Papua New Guinean girls – no matter what sport it is – to get up there and have a go and be a sporting female hero.
“These young girls have really become role models for other young girls to show that you can be a world superstar, you can get up there and be in the limelight and be somebody,” he added.
After the promising performance displayed by the U-20 Women’s team at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the national men’s team making history after reaching the final of the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, football in Papua New Guinea is growing faster than ever, and this legacy will support continuing development.