Tonga’s women’s 3×3 basketball team has concluded its Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign after a quarter-final play-in defeat to Uganda, capping a breakthrough tournament that showcased the nation’s growing presence in international basketball.
Representing Tonga were Lesila Finau, Mele Finau, Selai, and Ana-Rachel, with the team becoming one of the first Pacific Island nations to qualify for the women’s 3×3 competition alongside Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Their appearance followed the expansion of the Commonwealth Games tournament from eight to 12 teams, creating greater opportunities for emerging basketball nations.
Image: TASANOC
Tonga made an impressive start by defeating host Scotland 12-10 before recording further pool victories over Papua New Guinea (12-10) and Singapore (14-10). Losses to New Zealand and England saw Tonga finish third in Pool B, securing a place in the play-in quarter-finals under the tournament format.
Facing Uganda for a place in the semi-finals, Tonga fought hard but were defeated 21-12, bringing their campaign to an end.
The tournament also carried personal significance for sisters Lesila and Mele Finau, who played together for Tonga for the first time since high school. Lesila said representing their late father had been a major motivation throughout the Games.
“Our dad passed. This is the main reason why we are doing this – representing him and representing the country,” she said.
The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) praised the squad for an “unforgettable campaign”, saying the players had demonstrated what Team Tonga and Pacific athletes can achieve on the international stage.
While their medal hopes have ended, the team’s performances are expected to provide momentum for the continued growth of basketball in Tonga.
