The Oceania Cup 2025 officially begins in Nuku‘alofa today, bringing together athletes of all ages across the Pacific.
The four-day competition, held at Teufaiva Sports Stadium from October 29 to November 1, will feature senior teams, juniors, para-events and a dedicated Masters division for older athletes.
The Masters segment is especially noteworthy: competitors aged over 30 will be grouped in five-year age bands, with medals on offer for the first three in each category.
On Day 1 the action starts strong with the Masters Hammer Throw and Circular Hurdles, ageing proving no barrier on track or field. Later this afternoon the Men’s and Women’s Shot Put Invitationals take centre stage, with Tonga’s own hopes pinned on athletes such as Penisimani Ta’e’iloa and Halafihi Fisi’ihoi against tough regional opposition.
This will be the first time for Tongan para-athletes to compete in the Oceania Cup, and with the most members to compete across various events. Tonga’s paralympian, Meleane Falemaka, who competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympics will lead the Tonga team. About 10 para athletes will join the competition starting with men and women’s para discus on Thursday (Day 2).
The event’s opening ceremony is scheduled at 1:45 pm, officially welcoming competing federations and athletes.
For Tonga, hosting the event marks a significant return to international track and field, with the country previously staging major occasions such as the 1989 South Pacific Mini Games athletics program.
