The 1134 Igam Crocs have retained the PNG Defence Force Commander's Cup after defeating the Force Support Battalion (FSB) Tigers in the grand final yesterday in Port Moresby city, bringing the coveted trophy back to Igam Barracks, Lae city.

The Commander's Cup was last contested in 2023, making this year's return to competition significant for the participating Defence units.

The Igam Crocs entered the tournament as the previous champions and successfully defended their title, earning the right to take the cup back to Igam Barracks.

Commander of the Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said retaining the cup was no easy achievement, highlighting the preparation, fitness and work that takes place behind the scenes before teams take the field.

He said the tournament had demonstrated strong fitness, skills and intensity, with teams from different Defence units bringing varying levels of competition experience to the tournament.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop was present for the grand final between FSB Tigers and 1134 Igam Crocs, adding prominence to the closing match.

Rear Admiral Polewara described this year's tournament as bigger and better, saying he was impressed by the turnout, organisation and intensity displayed throughout more than a week of competition.

He also highlighted the benefit of bringing together units that do not regularly participate in city competitions.

Players from NCD had given their time to work with some of the teams, helping improve their skills and preparing them to compete against units with greater exposure to regular competition.

For Igam Crocs, however, the immediate reward was another Commander's Cup title.

The victory means the trophy will return to Igam Barracks, while the other Defence units will now have to wait for the next opportunity to challenge the champions.