Team PNG shines at 2025 Pacific Mini Games, finishes 5th on medal tally

Team PNG members during the opening ceremony of the Palau Pacific Mini Games *(Image: Team PNG)*

Team Papua New Guinea wrapped up a successful campaign at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, finishing 5th overall on the medal tally with an outstanding all-round performance. The Games saw PNG athletes break records, achieve historic firsts, and proudly represent the nation in a variety of sports, collecting medals across multiple disciplines.

Athletics dominated the medal count for Team PNG, contributing a remarkable 50 medals. The highlight came on July 7th when the Men’s 4x100m relay team of Pais Wisil, Johnny Bai, Emmanuel Anis, and Timothy Tovetuna Tuna broke the national record with a time of 40.23 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 40.29 seconds set at the 1995 Pacific Games in Tahiti. The team’s performance added to an already impressive tally that included a gold in the newly introduced mixed 4x400m relay, marking a first for the Pacific Mini Games, and another gold in the Women’s 1500m final.

Timothy Tuna (left) finished second behind Pais Wisil as the duo picked silver and gold respectively in 100m race *(Image: Team PNG)*

In weightlifting, PNG athletes continued to showcase their strength. Morea Baru triumphed in the Men’s 65kg division with three gold medals, while Dika Toua secured two golds and one silver in the Women’s 53kg. Steven Kari, making his return to international competition, claimed one silver and one bronze in the Men’s 110kg. Thelma Toua and Idau Vagi added three bronze medals each in their respective categories, reinforcing PNG’s weightlifting pedigree.

Team PNG made history in va’a, with Raka Meisi winning a bronze in the Men’s V1 16km – the nation’s first-ever medal in this event. Both the men’s and women’s teams secured silver in the V6 1500m, while PNG also bagged a silver in the V12 mixed team event, further cementing their place as regional contenders.

Va'a men's team competing the V6 race *(Image: Team PNG)*

Table tennis also saw multiple podium finishes. Haoda Agari earned silver in the Para-Men’s Ambulant Singles, while PNG’s Open Men’s Doubles and Men’s Team secured bronze medals. In a historic achievement, the Open Women’s Team won silver, marking the first time PNG has medalled in this event at the Pacific Mini Games.

In indoor volleyball, Team PNG fought their way to the final but fell to Wallis & Futuna, earning a well-deserved silver medal. Beach volleyball also saw success, with the team defeating Samoa in a playoff match to secure 5th place overall.

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the Games came in softball, where PNG made a proud return to international competition after two decades. The team claimed bronze in a thrilling match against the host nation, Palau. This marked the first time PNG had competed in softball at this level since their gold medal victory at the 2015 Pacific Games.

Team PNG women's softball returned to Mini Games after a 2-decade hiatus *(Image: Team PNG)*

Jhnayali Tokome-Garap was the standout swimmer for Team PNG, bringing home a silver and bronze in the Women’s 100m Freestyle where PNG’s only swimming medals of the Games. In women’s basketball 3x3, PNG’s team put up a brave fight in the bronze playoff against Northern Marianas, narrowly losing 19-21 in a hard-fought and closely contested match.

Team PNG’s performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games not only earned them a strong 5th-place finish on the medal tally but also delivered historic achievements and inspirational moments that will resonate for years to come. The Games showcased the nation’s competitive spirit and highlighted the rising potential of its athletes. The next Pacific Mini Games will be held in the Cook Islands in 2029, where Team PNG will look to build on their success and continue their journey of sporting excellence.