Team PNG Basketball launches ‘Mission Glasgow’ after historic Commonwealth Games qualification

Preparations for Team PNG’s debut Commonwealth Games basketball appearance will begin immediately, according to Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea [BFPNG] President David Peter.

The announcement follows the official confirmation this week that the PNG Women’s 3x3 team has qualified for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is first time any Papua New Guinean basketball team has reached the Commonwealth stage since the country first joined the Games in 1962.

President Peter confirmed that high-performance and fitness testing will be conducted for a potential squad to be assembled in the coming weeks. He said the federation is committed to a transparent selection process to fill the marquee spots on the national 3x3 roster.

"The federation will give equal opportunity to all players to showcase their craft," Peter told NBC News. "Both local players and those who have represented the country in international competitions will be considered during the upcoming trials."

The core of the initial 3x3 team in Gloria Kaiawa, Jackie Asiba, Philomena Ise and Nauna Lynnette Lelai, that competed at the 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Palau is expected to join a wider train-on squad. However, Peter said no spots are guaranteed, and the final roster will only be confirmed after rigorous evaluation for the Glasgow games, scheduled for July 23 – August 2, 2026.

The qualification is being hailed as a proud moment for the sport in PNG. While Papua New Guinea has a long history of individual success in athletics and weightlifting, team sport qualifications at this level are rare.

"I am incredibly proud that our women's team has broken through to the Commonwealth Games for the first time," Peter said. "This is history for basketball in PNG. Since 1962, we have waited to enter the Commonwealth arena, and this is a massive win for the country."

The team’s qualification was bolstered by their performance at the 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Koror, Palau, where the women’s 3x3 side secured the top spot in the FIBA Conference series.

Following the Mini Pacific Games, PNG locked its Glasgow place via the FIBA 3x3 Federation Rankings. They will join an elite field of just 12 nations in host's Scotland, including powerhouses like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.