Senior leaders from the Pacific Games Council have urged Tonga to accelerate preparations for the 2031 Pacific Games, following high-level meetings in Nuku’alofa earlier this month.
The three-day visit from 06–08 May brought together Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Minogue with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, officials from Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC), and representatives from national sporting federations.
Tonga secured hosting rights for the 2031 Pacific Games in 2024, marking the first time the Kingdom will stage the region’s largest sporting event. During the visit, Pacific Games Council leaders praised Tonga’s successful bid but stressed that planning and governance work must now move quickly.
Lakhan said the Games would require close cooperation between government, sporting bodies and the future organising committee.
He also highlighted the need for legislation to formally establish the committee overseeing preparations.
Officials described the event as a major opportunity for Pacific athletes ahead of the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.
Pacific Games Council CEO Andrew Minogue said the 2031 Games could provide Olympic qualification opportunities across several sports.
TASANOC Secretary General and CEO Netina Latu Vea said the visit had provided “valuable clarity and direction” as preparations move from planning into implementation.
Tonga’s National Games are scheduled for December 2026 as part of the country’s pathway towards hosting the regional event.
