World bowls champion Milika “Millie” Nathan will represent Tonga alongside her brother Chad Nathan at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking the siblings’ first appearance for the Kingdom at the Games.
The Auckland-born pair, who are eligible to compete for Tonga through their mother, are among four lawn bowlers selected to represent the Kingdom. They will be joined by Paris Baker and Liam Hill, with Millie competing in the women’s singles and skipping the pairs, while Chad will lead the men’s pairs.
Millie rose to international prominence in 2024 after winning the World Bowls Champion of Champions women’s singles title, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. She also claimed silver in the Oceania singles championship the same year and has won eight North Harbour centre titles.
The siblings began playing bowls nine years ago following the death of their mother from cancer, joining their father, who had already taken up the sport. Today, Millie teaches at Northcote Intermediate School in Auckland, while Chad works as a support worker for people with disabilities.
Speaking to Bowls International, Millie described their Commonwealth Games selection as “a proud moment”.
“It is a proud moment, especially to both get to represent Tonga at the same time,” she said. “It’s such a good opportunity and we are grateful to get to experience something so big.”
The pair regularly compete together in mixed events and have enjoyed considerable success, including three Milford 5000 titles and consecutive North Harbour and Auckland Bowls3Five championships in 2024 and 2025.
Looking ahead to Glasgow, Chad said his priority was to gain as much practice as possible on indoor carpet surfaces before the Games.
Millie welcomed the indoor format, including the use of a shot clock and sets play.
“We both love the faster game,” she said. “It should be fun.”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide the siblings with their first opportunity to represent Tonga on one of international sport’s biggest stages, as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s leading lawn bowlers.
