Pacific Games

This was raised at a meeting in the village of Houma attended by Tongatapu Constituency 6 People’s Representative and Minister of Public Enterprise, Poasi Tei.

At the meeting, Viliami Halatoa of Houma said Tonga was not ready to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

In response, the Minister said Government supports the hosting of the Games and has set aside TOP$1 million to the Ministry of Sports to establish a sports academy in preparation for the Games in four years’ time.

Dr Mitchell, an IOC member himself says the recently approved Agenda 2020 has been adopted by 2020 Olympic Games hosts Japan.  

“I was recently in Tokyo for the Coordination Committee meeting and Tokyo has very quickly taken on board the recommendations of the IOC which resulted in them saving 1.3 billion dollars already in venue preparation.”

They went down to New Caledonia 3-1 at the BSP Arena today.

New Caledonia grabbed the first set in a close encounter 25-18.

PNG played hard but were over confident losing again in the second set 25-21.

While there was opportunity for more goals for Vanuatu, Tongan goal keeper Mateaki Taufa was her side’s saving grace, keeping a vigilant watch at the goal mouth and holding Vanuatu to a 4 point win.

Both sides drew one all after the first period.

 And Bisamo ended Papua New Guinea’s dominance in the XV Pacific Games track and field events on a high note.

The final year Kabaleo Teachers College student completed the 21km race in 1:14:11 seconds.

And history will be made for the Vanuatu men’s team who play off for Gold for the first time in history of the Hockey Oceania Federation.

This is the first time hockey is played at the Pacific Games, the only international events the code was involved in are the Oceania games and Arafura games.

PNG took a 1-0 lead after the 8th minute of play when Patrick Aisa powered a kick into the nets.

PNG held on to the lead going into half time.

Fiji came out stronger in the second half and dominated possession early on in the game.

This resulted in the equalizer in the 53rd minute through Tony Tuivuna.

The game looked to be going towards a draw with three minutes extra time given.

Tonga batted first with Nikolasi Moala (14) and Aloisio Pau’u (22) putting on a solid opening partnership of 36.

But good bowling from PNG’s Alei Nao had the pair dismissed.

The rest of the Tongan batters did not put up much of a fight as the next five wickets fell for 18 runs.

Tail ender Lea Tenisi chipped in late in the innings with 12 runs.

Tonga was all bowled out for a measly 83.

Jason Kila was the best of the PNG bowlers picking up 3/10.

Follow PNG Loop's daily updates for more on the games.

“We are sorry to see friends leave our shores and we thank you for taking part in these outstanding Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea,” PM O’Neill said.

“If you are a visitor, I hope your time in Papua New Guinea, and at these Games, will be among the proudest memories of your lifetime.

“We have witnessed outstanding competition and displays of sporting friendship.

“It was great to see the way athletes from different places and languages could break down barriers and congratulate each other and even cheer for their competitors.