A male Papua New Guinean athlete from a Port Moresby settlement has proudly represented the country on the world stage.
He finished fourth at the 2026 World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad, India this month.
Related news: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/world-yogasana-championship-2026-report-medal-tally
Dennis Kia, 31, originally from Karamui Salt-Nomane District in Simbu Province, competed in the Senior Division Traditional Yogasana Individual category against some of the world’s best yoga athletes.
The competition required participants to perform five compulsory yoga poses and two optional poses, with Kia securing an impressive fourth-place finish.
Kia, who lives at the Two-Mile Haus Faiah settlement in Port Moresby, described the experience as both challenging and exciting.
“It was very challenging, and learning new things was so exciting,” he told PNG SUN from India.
The championship was also Kia’s first international competition and overseas exposure.
He travelled to India on a scholarship opportunity and said the experience had broadened his understanding of the sport while exposing him to different cultures and training standards.
Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, Kia said he was proud of his achievement and remains determined to continue improving.
Kia completed Grade 12 and later pursued studies in law at a polytechnic college for two years before undertaking studies at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, although he did not complete the program.
Before establishing his own small business, Yoga Instructors PNG, Kia worked with other organizations and said the support of friends and mentors had played a vital role in his journey.
He paid special tribute to Australian friend Paula Dunn, who sponsored his airfare to India, making his participation at the world championship possible.
“I want to thank everyone who believed in me and contributed to supporting me, especially Paula Dunn, who bought my tickets,” Kia said.
Kia also acknowledged the assistance of his mentor Fazillah Bazari who helped him establish Yoga Instructors PNG.
His achievement highlights the potential of local athletes to compete internationally when given the opportunity and support, while inspiring young people from communities across the country to pursue their dreams despite challenges.