PNG Kickboxing Federation clarifies the proposed Bill

The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF), under the leadership of the founding President Stanley “The Headhunter” Nandex, is working on establishing a “Unified Papua New Guinea Combat Sports Authority.”

According to Nandex, the kickboxing governing body will present a Bill to Parliament in November for MPs to debate before passing the bill to become a national body that governs and regulates combat sports in the country.

In light of this proposition, the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) has raised concerns about the PNG Kickboxing Federation’s plan to set up a standalone regulatory body to govern combat sports in PNG.

“The recent media release suggesting that Mr. Stanley Nandex will submit a Bill to Parliament to establish “Unified Papua New Guinea Combat Sports Authority” has been noted with concern,” PNGSF said in a statement.

“While enthusiasm for sports development is welcome, this proposal is unrealistic and undermines the statutory role of the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation.

“Combat sports represent only a handful of codes within Papua New Guinea’s diverse sporting landscape. 

“Elevating these few codes above others through a separate authority risks fragmenting the national sports system, duplicating responsibilities, and weakening the inclusive mandate of the Sports Foundation. 

“The PNG Sports Foundation was established to coordinate all sports nationwide, ensuring equitable development and resource allocation.” 

​In response to the PNG Sports Foundation’s commentary regarding the proposal for a Unified Papua New Guinea Combat Sports Authority, the PNG Kickboxing Federation clarified the true intent, scope, and structural placement of this initiative.

“​Combat sports in Papua New Guinea are far more than a recreational pastime or a grassroots community development tool,” PNG Kickboxing Federation said in a statement.

“While we fully respect the mandate and vital work of the PNG Sports Foundation under the Ministry of Sports, the reality is that the Sports Foundation’s current framework primarily serves amateur and community-level sports. 

“There is currently no statutory mechanism within the Sports Foundation designed to specifically facilitate, protect, and regulate professional engagement in the country.

“​As Papua New Guinea moves past its 50th anniversary, our national sporting landscape must mature alongside rapid global developments.”

President Nandex emphasized the importance of having a Combat Sports Authority, urging the government, especially the National Executive Government, to consider the proposed bill.

“The proposed PNG Combat Sports Authority is something that we should be really looking at,” the Headhunter said.

“When you look at the current environment today in terms of combat sports, such as MMA and other martial arts, there are a lot of benefits in it. 

“It will not only create opportunities for our fighters to earn money but also boost tourism and help the SMEs.

“With the government’s support, it will help us to regulate the authority and incentivize our local fighters. The government should come on board to recognize it.” 

The PNG Kickboxing Federation outlined the key points and benefits regarding the proposed Combat Sports Authority:

• ​Operating Within the Sports Foundation: We are not seeking to undermine or bypass the PNG Sports Foundation. The proposed Combat Sports Authority is intended to operate under the umbrella of the Sports Foundation as a specialized regulatory arm dedicated strictly to the professional tier.

• ​Protecting Athletes and Ensuring Safety: Professional combat sports require rigorous oversight, including the issuance of proper licenses and permits, strict medical and safety protocols, blood rules, and anti-doping testing. Without a regulatory framework, our elite athletes risk exploitation, poor compensation, and a lack of post-career support after dedicating their lives to the sport.

• ​Transitioning from Amateurism to Careers: Relying solely on amateur structures forces talented sportsmen and women to waste their peak years without financial gain. This initiative creates a genuine, viable career pathway for athletes to transition from amateur participation to professional success.

• ​Economic Impact and Revenue Generation: Critics viewing this proposal through a purely administrative lens miss the bigger economic picture. A formalized professional combat sports industry will generate direct revenue streams through media rights, international tourism, and global marketing, bringing valuable foreign exchange and exposure to Papua New Guinea.

“​This proposal is not about competing with existing authorities; it is about filling a glaring gap in our national sports architecture that is standard practice worldwide,” the statement explained.  

“It is time to break away from viewing sports exclusively through a community development lens and start treating elite sports as a serious economic and career-building industry for our youth and future generations.

​"We welcome constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to build a robust, professional framework that benefits our athletes and advances Papua New Guinea on the global stage."