The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) has unveiled the athletes and officials selected to represent Tonga at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Kingdom set to compete across eight sports when the event begins on 23 July.
Almost thirty athletes have been named in Team Tonga, which will contest 20 medal events during the Games, running until 2 August. TASANOC says a major milestone is the qualification of two women’s team sports, netball and 3×3 basketball, through official qualification pathways, highlighting the growing strength of Tongan sport on the international stage.
Among the athletes selected are shot put and discus thrower Penisimani Ta’eiloa and women’s shot put competitor Ata Maama Tu’utafaiva in athletics. The lawn bowls team features Milika Nathan, Paris Baker, Liam Hill and Chad Nathan, while boxer Joshua Tonga will compete in the men’s light heavyweight division.
The women’s 3×3 basketball squad includes Lesila Kefu Finau, Mele Katokakala Finau, Finau Kalolaine Tonga and Olivia Maumi Po’uliva’ati. Paula Monta will represent Tonga in the men’s over-100kg judo category.
The netball team is led by flag bearer Hulita Veve and includes Lavinia Lavea, Uneeq Palavi, Sovika Pousini, ’Otolose Fainga’anuku, Marie Payn, Kalolaine Luana Aukafolau, Leila Tu’inukuafe, Isabella Fainga’anuku, Halaevalu Toutaiolepo, Emma Mateo and Alice Cocker.
Swimming representatives are Vaoahi Afu and baton bearer Finau Lino Ohuafi, while weightlifters Joshua Uikilifi Jr and Sikoti Manumu’a Jr complete the athlete contingent.
TASANOC thanked the Tongan Government, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, for supporting the Glasgow campaign. Chef de Mission Roman Vaihu said preparations would continue in the lead-up to the Games as athletes aim to build on Tonga’s proud Commonwealth sporting tradition.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth, providing Tonga with another opportunity to showcase its sporting talent on the world stage.
