Pacific Island teams head to Glasgow Commonwealth Games amid financial hurdles

Eleven Pacific Island nations are set to compete at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which officially open on Friday (New Zealand time). Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have all sent athletes.

“

With the popular sevens rugby competition not part of the event this time around, Pacific Island teams would be banking on their weightlifters, bowlers and judokas to lead their campaigns for medals.

While many athletes will use the Games to gauge their progress, some are considered genuine medal contenders. The event features 74 nations and territories, including separate teams for the UK's home nations and debutants Togo and Gabon. Pacific teams have navigated various challenges, with financing being a primary concern, particularly after the venue change.

Originally slated for Victoria, Australia, the Games moved to Glasgow when the Australian state withdrew due to escalating costs. Victoria cancelled hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after projected expenses ballooned from AU$2.6 billion to around AU$7 billion. The state government paid AU$380 million in compensation. Glasgow agreed to host but with a reduced format, featuring only 10 sports instead of the usual 20.

“

Weightlifting will see 10 of the 11 Pacific Island nations competing and should be the sport that will win the most medals for them.

Pacific Island teams have now arrived in Glasgow, though some, like Team Vanuatu, faced flight cancellations. With the popular sevens rugby competition absent, the Pacific nations are banking on their weightlifters, bowlers, and judokas for medals. Weightlifting, in particular, is expected to be their strongest sport, with 10 of the 11 Pacific Island nations participating.

“

Sefulu Seuao 16, who nailed 110kg block snatch in the 77kg category during training in Apia is one medal prospect. Her lift surpassed the world youth record, which is 106kg.