Tonga has been selected to host the 2031 Pacific Games, marking its return to the role seven years after it withdrew from the 2019 event. The announcement was made on Friday in Koror, Palau, where members of the Pacific Games Council cast their votes. Tonga received 12 votes, outpacing Fiji, which secured nine.
This will be the first time Tonga hosts the Pacific Games since the Pacific Mini Games in 1989. The successful bid follows Tonga’s withdrawal from hosting the 2019 Games, a decision made by former prime minister Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva. This cancellation led to the relocation of the Games to Samoa in 2019.
Following this, Tonga faced suspension from the Pacific Games Council, but after an out-of-court settlement two years ago, the nation was reinstated, allowing it the opportunity to host the Games once more. Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni represented Tonga during the meeting in Koror and expressed gratitude for the votes received.
Sovaleni stated, “It is a great achievement. We know there is a lot of work to be done but we are confident that with our people, our partners and all stakeholders, Tonga can host the event successfully.”
Journalist Melielau Manu reported a celebratory atmosphere among the Tongan delegation when the results were announced. The team, including sports minister Lord Vaea and two-time Olympian Pita Taufatofua, was determined to secure the hosting rights, and their efforts were supported by a strong turnout of delegates.
Fiji also had a notable presence at the event but did not succeed in securing the votes needed to host.