Overview:
Palau’s wrestling team delivered a standout performance in Samoa, securing 22 medals across two major Oceania competitions. Competing in multiple disciplines over two weeks, the team showcased resilience, depth and growing strength on the regional stage.
Back-to-back tournaments showcase dominance across freestyle, Greco-Roman and beach wrestling
APIA, Samoa (March 30, 2026) — “Competing in back-to-back tournaments was one of the toughest challenges our athletes have faced,” Head Coach John Tarkong Jr. said, as Palau’s wrestling team capped a historic two-week campaign with 22 medals at the 2026 Oceania Wrestling Championships and Oceania Open.
The team, led by Tarkong, included athletes Hina Brell, Rondon Kemesong, Manifanur Marino and senior standout Blesam Tarkong, along with referee Skarlee Renguul. Photo: Belau Wrestling Federation
Palau’s delegation delivered a strong showing across Greco-Roman, freestyle, women’s wrestling and beach wrestling during competitions held March 20–22 and March 28–29 in Apia, Samoa.
The team, led by Tarkong, included athletes Hina Brell, Rondon Kemesong, Manifanur Marino and senior standout Blesam Tarkong, along with referee Skarlee Renguul.
Week One: Oceania Wrestling Championships
Palau opened the championships with success in Greco-Roman competition. Blesam Tarkong advanced to the senior final to claim silver, while juniors Kemesong and Marino each earned bronze medals. Brell added a silver in the women’s division.
Palau team went all out to secure 22 medals in back to back competitions. Photo: Belau Wrestling Federation
In freestyle, Tarkong captured gold in the senior men’s 79-kilogram division, defeating opponents from the Marshall Islands, New Zealand and Samoa. Kemesong secured another bronze, and Marino competed in the 86kg division.
Beach wrestling closed the championships with additional podium finishes. Tarkong earned silver in the senior men’s -80kg, Brell collected silver in the U20 women’s 60kg and bronze in the senior division, and Marino added silver in the U20 -90kg.
Week One medal total: 10
- Blesam Tarkong: 1 gold, 2 silver
- Hina Brell: 2 silver, 1 bronze
- Rondon Kemesong: 2 bronze
- Manifanur Marino: 1 silver, 1 bronze
Week Two: Oceania Open Wrestling Tournament
Palau returned to competition days later for the Oceania Open, competing through fatigue and injuries.
In freestyle, Tarkong won gold in the 79kg division despite a neck injury. Kemesong earned silver in the 74kg category, while Marino secured gold in the 86kg junior division.
In Greco-Roman, Tarkong added another gold in the 82kg senior division. Kemesong took silver in the 77kg junior division, and Marino claimed silver in the 82kg junior category.
Hina wins two Silver and one Bronze for Palau. Photo: Belau Wrestling Federation.
Beach wrestling produced more gold for Palau, with Tarkong winning the senior men’s 80kg division. Marino captured gold in the U20 men’s 90kg, Brell earned two silver medals, and Kemesong added bronze in the U20 men’s 80kg.
Week Two medal total: 12
- Blesam Tarkong: 3 gold
- Hina Brell: 2 silver, 1 bronze
- Rondon Kemesong: 2 silver, 1 bronze
- Manifanur Marino: 2 gold, 1 silver
Combined results
Across both competitions, Palau finished with 22 medals:
- Gold: 6
- Silver: 10
- Bronze: 6
Tarkong said the results reflected the team’s resilience and preparation.
“Our team showed incredible resilience, fighting through fatigue and injuries to bring home medals for Palau,” he said.
Development milestones
Beyond competition, Palau’s delegation also made gains in training and certification.
Brell earned certification as a junior coach, while Renguul was recertified as an International Olympic referee. The team also participated in the UWW Oceania Coaching and Referee Course and Athlete Camp, aimed at strengthening technical skills, officiating standards and athlete development.
The Belau Wrestling Federation thanked the Palau National Olympic Committee, WCTC and other sponsors, as well as athletes’ families, for their support.
Looking ahead
The two tournaments marked a significant step for Palau wrestling, combining medal success with athlete and official development. With performances across multiple disciplines, the team is expected to build on its results in future regional competitions.
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