Riwi delivers a successful Highlands Regional Basketball Championship

Ialibu’s Riwi village of Ialibu-Pangia District in the Southern Highlands Province came alive on the weekend following a three-day Highlands Regional Basketball Championship from 23-25 October 2026. 

The tournament featured 10 men’s and 10 women’s teams from across the Highlands region, which served as a platform for selecting the Highlands All-Stars team.

Under the theme ‘Go Rural, Go Global’, the regional championship returned to the Highlands after a few years, with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) facilitating it. 

The tournament aims to promote local basketball talent in SHP and the wider Highlands region, involving youth participation and community unity through sport. 

A well-behaved bumper crowd turned out for three days, creating an electric atmosphere and motivating the players to showcase their skills on the two concrete courts.  

The regional championship coincided with the Kewabi Basketball Association (KBA) grand final, adding to the excitement of the celebrations.

Simbu secured the men’s regional championship after edging out SHP’s Sugu Cigars 16-7, while Goroka claimed the women’s division following a 21-16 win over SHP’s Epari Kuare.

Gracing the occasion were NMCA CEO David Wereh, Togoba Coffee owner Frederick Koldop, Rupiah Construction Managing Director Tonny Kondo, and KBA President Neomi Lope.

BFPNG President David Peter was on the ground to witness the regional championship and KBA grand final, saying that he was impressed with the talent on display. 

“The competition was another success story that's adding value to our aim to support the government's sport policy 'Go Rural, Go Global',” Mr. Peter said.  

“I am amazed at the relatively well-mannered huge crowd that turned out to witness the event. There was a display of raw talent and massive interest from all across the highlands region.”

Mr. Peter said Riwi is located in a peaceful environment, which has the potential to offer tourism hotspots, acknowledging the local businessman and counselor for their efforts. 

“This was a national championship in a village amongst villagers’ houses, gardens, and of course, the majestic Riwi falls,” he explained.  

“It's definitely a tourism destination, and our goal is to develop a basketball hub for SHP and sports-based eco-tourism spots in the country. 

“The community, under the leadership of local businessman Tony Kondo, and the local councilor John Wepo, are developing tourism products and top-class lodging facilities for guests and tourists.”

President Peter congratulated the winners of the men’s and women’s divisions. He also commended the runners-up and all the participating teams.

The President thanked Rupiah Construction Limited, Togoba Coffee, Koms Finance, and Pacific Racing Limited for their support towards the regional tournament and the KBA grand final.