Images: J Justin Gomez

The Papua New Guinea athletics team returned home with pride after a strong showing at the 2025 Philippine Open Athletics Championships, held over four days at New Clark City. Competing against nearly 1,000 athletes from across the Philippines and eight international teams, the 13-member PNG squad walked away with one gold medal, five bronze, and a string of personal best performances.

Athletics PNG President Tony Green praised the event, describing it as “a very good competition for the athletes” and the right challenge to push them toward higher performance levels. “It was a great opportunity for our elite and developing athletes alike,” he said.

Papua New Guinean representative Hurdler Daniel Baul led the medal tally with a gold in the 400m hurdles, clocking 52.91 seconds. Teammate Sialis Passingan earned bronze in the same race with a personal best of 53.55 seconds, while William Peka finished just outside the medals in fourth (54.73), reinforcing PNG’s depth in the event.

In the 400m flat, Benjamin Aliel claimed bronze with a time of 47.97 seconds. Rising sprinter Patricia Kuku had a breakthrough meet, earning bronze medals in both the 200m and 400m with personal bests of 25.53 and 57.88 seconds, respectively.

Distance runner Ray Kumala Heru also reached the podium, winning bronze in the 3000m steeplechase in a personal best 12:16.75.

Several other athletes recorded personal bests, including Robert Oa in the 110m hurdles, Abel Siune, Monica Kalua, and Ray Kumala Heru in the 1500m, Denlyne Kinbangi in the 200m, and Dilu Goiye in the 10,000m.

With strong performances across both track and field, the championships offered valuable international competition experience as the PNG team continues preparations for the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in June.