55-member Team PNG finalized for Commonwealth Games
Papua New Guinea’s elite sporting contingent to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been finalized, with a 55-member strong delegation ready to fly the flag in Scotland later this month.
The official announcement was made today in Port Moresby through a joint briefing by Team PNG and longtime corporate partner Air Niugini.
The final squad consists of 35 athletes, 12 team officials, and eight Games Management Team [GMT] officials who will represent the country across 11 days of fierce international competition from July 23 to August 2.
Team PNG will compete across five selected sports in athletics and para-athletics, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, and women’s 3x3 basketball.
The national women’s 3x3 basketball team will be making their Commonwealth Games debut for the first time.
Their qualification marks PNG’s long-awaited return to major team-sport competition at the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 16 years, with the last appearances being netball and rugby sevens at the New Delhi Games in 2010.
Team PNG Chef de Mission Elaine Iorive said the final squad selection was proof of the steady advancement of high-performance sporting development in the country.
“While Team PNG will be striving for strong performances in Glasgow, the campaign also represents a broader mission of inspiring the next generation of athletes, promoting national unity through sport and showcasing the resilience, talent and spirit of PNG,” Iorive said.
She said Glasgow 2026 is a critical stepping stone for the country's long-term athletic goals. The high-level exposure will test athletes ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Chef de Mission also extended her appreciation to Air Niugini for ensuring PNG’s sporting stars could travel safely and focus strictly on their performance.
Air Niugini chief executive officer Alan Milne said the national airline was proud to continue its historic backing of the country’s elite sportsmen and sportswomen.
“At Air Niugini, we proudly carry the Bird of Paradise on our tail and the Papua New Guinea flag wherever we fly,” Milne said.
“Team PNG carries those same national colours into international competition. This partnership is therefore a natural one...two proud national symbols representing Papua New Guinea on the world stage.”
PNG has a proud and decorated history at the event, having attended 15 Commonwealth Games since making its debut in Perth, Australia, back in 1962.
ATHLETICS & PARA-ATHLETICS
- Athletes: Leroy Kamau, William Peka, Jiuteis Robinson, Robert Oa, Tovetuna Timothy Tuna, Daniel Bauil, Johnny Bai, Adolf Kauba, Lakona Gerega, Pais Wisil, Hephzibah Romalus.
- Para-Athletes: Jerome Bunge, Regina Edwards.
- Officials: Brett Green, Josepha Wailoni, Allan Akia, Jackie Travertz, Subul Babo, Scholastica Herman, Isila Apkup, Denlyne Kinbangi, Adrine Monagi.
WOMEN’S 3X3 BASKETBALL
- Athletes: Philomena Isei, Nauna Lelai, Normalisa Dobunaba, Jackie Asiba.
- Official: Gavin Delacruz.
BOXING
- Athletes: James Paul, Kua Mua, Bid Michael.
- Officials: Petronella Nokenoke, Flora Loga, Leonie Madgwick, Markjohn Keto.
SWIMMING
- Athletes: Josh Tarere, Thomas Chen, Jhnayali Tokome-Garap, Joanna Chen.
- Officials: Roxanne Kirarock, Carly Pini, Rick Van Der Zant.
WEIGHTLIFTING
- Athletes: Thelma Toua, Loa Dika Toua, Kevau Baru, Morea Baru.
- Officials: Willie Tamasi, Daroa Lou, Konio Keke Tamarua.