Marape said the government is in talks with key stakeholders. Photo: Oceania Athletics
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape wants the PNG Games to be brought back next year to coincide with the country's 50th anniversary of independence.
Marape said the government is in talks with key stakeholders, the PNG Sports Foundation, Southern Highlands provincial government, as well as ExxonMobil and Santos, according to NBC's report.
The Games, meant to run biennially, have not been held for seven years.
Southern Highlands was meant to be the next host, but there were four cancellations over six years due to incomplete venues, security threats, and financial constraints.
However, Marape is negotiating for the Games to be held next year, rather than in 2026, as scheduled.