Divine Word University (DWU) has been confirmed by the Papua New Guinea University Sports Association (PNGUSA) as the official host of the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games.
The tournament will take place at the DWU Madang Campus from June 22 to 26, 2026, bringing together student-athletes and officials from universities across the nation for a week of intense inter-university competition and regional engagement.
Participating institutions expected to compete include the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH), Pacific Adventist University (PAU), IBS University (IBSU), Innovative University of Enga (IUE), University of Goroka (UOG), and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE).
Western Pacific University (WPU) has also confirmed its participation, entering the men’s soccer competition only.
The PNG National University Games, commonly known as the Intervarsity Games, is a biennial sporting event designed to provide a platform for tertiary students to compete while promoting friendship, collaboration, and healthy competition.
Following a period of inactivity, the Games were officially revived after a crucial meeting of Student Services Directors and Sports officers at UNITECH in March 2024, where it was agreed that the Games would return on a rotational hosting basis.
The first revived competitions were held during the Semester One break in 2024, with UNITECH hosting soccer in Lae and UPNG hosting basketball in Port Moresby.
The success of those events marked a major milestone in revitalizing university sports, and the 2026 edition in Madang is expected to build on that momentum.
In preparation for broader sporting engagement, DWU will also be sending two basketball teams to UNRE, a netball team to UNITECH, and a men’s volleyball team to UPNG for other fixtures.
DWU President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs welcomed the opportunity to host the national soccer event and expressed absolute confidence in the university’s readiness for the tournament.
“We are delighted to receive students from other universities and to share these days of friendship, competition, and learning.”
“Sport is more than winning a game. It teaches discipline, respect, courage, fairness, and perseverance.”
“It helps us discover our strengths, accept our limits, and support one another as a team."
"May your time at DWU build new friendships, strengthen unity among our universities, and inspire excellence on and off the field.”
Meanwhile, DWU Student Services Deputy Director Mr. Alfred Ruene emphasized that current preparations are heavily focused on student welfare, accommodation, logistics, and the overall delivery of the tournament.
“This event is particularly significant because the PNG National University Games have traditionally been hosted by state universities such as UPNG, Unitech, UOG, and UNRE.”
“Divine Word University is honoured to be the first private university entrusted with hosting a national university sporting competition of this scale.”
“We sincerely thank the executives of the Papua New Guinea University Sports Association for their confidence in DWU and for providing us with this opportunity to host the 2026 National University Soccer Games.”
“We are committed to delivering a successful tournament that promotes sportsmanship, unity, and friendship among students from universities throughout Papua New Guinea.”
Mr. Ruene added that hosting the Games will not only strengthen student engagement but also create opportunities for the wider Madang community to participate in and benefit from a significant national sporting event.
DWU is working closely with PNGUSA and all stakeholders to ensure seamless planning, with fixtures and the official program set to be released closer to the opening date.
