Tonga has been selected to host the 2031 Pacific Games, a decision made seven years after the country withdrew from hosting the 2019 Games. The announcement came during a meeting in Koror, Palau, where members of the Pacific Games Council voted, resulting in Tonga receiving 12 votes, while Fiji obtained nine.
This will mark the first time Tonga has hosted the Pacific Games since the 1989 Pacific Mini Games. The successful bid follows Tonga’s exit from the 2019 Games, which were ultimately moved to Samoa after former Prime Minister Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva canceled the event. Subsequently, Tonga was suspended from the Pacific Games Council, but an out-of-court settlement two years ago allowed the nation to rejoin and bid for hosting rights.
Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni represented the country at the voting meeting, expressing gratitude to the members for their support. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that Tonga could successfully host the event with the help of its community and partners.
Coverage of the event by journalist Melielau Manu highlighted the joy and celebration among the Tongan delegation upon the vote announcement. The delegation included prominent figures such as Lord Vaea, the Minister for Sports, and Olympian Pita Taufatofua. Despite a strong showing from Fiji’s delegation, the voting favored Tonga.