Solomon Islands

PNG, SI Pledge to Strengthen Diplomatic Ties

In a press release issued by PNG's Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, it was highlighted that both nations are poised to accelerate the signing of crucial agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner William Soaki, during his official visit, extended congratulations to Minister Tkatchenko and expressed eagerness to continue the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.

Lavalou misses Gold medal bout

Lavalou fought fairly and squarely defeating his New Caledonian opposition in the finals, before taking on the Tahitian opponent in the semi-final where he suffered defeat through a miscount by the technical officials.

Lavalou said: “I fought well in the first quarter. In the second quarter, I scored many points but the points were registered against the name of my opponent.”

“If the score was recorded correctly against my name, I would have gone all the way to defeat Niue in the in the Gold medal play-offs,” stated Lavalou.

PNG hopeful for better results

As Team PNG bid farewell to week one athletes, PNG is hopeful for better performances with a fresh contingent set for an action-packed week.

As of Saturday 25th November, PNG has bagged 26 medals (4 Gold, 10 Silver and 12 Bronze) – 13 medals where from weightlifting alone.  PNG currently sits in 10th place on the Medal Tally.

Competitions in Boxing, Netball, Va'a, Touch Football, Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Athletics, Hockey, Basketball 3x3, Beach Volleyball, Taekwondo, and Triathlon. Tennis and Football teams continue their journey.

PM Marape’s Solomon visit

In a press conference, he highlighted the successful hosting of the event and discussed crucial bilateral meetings held during his visit.

Marape revealed that before his departure, he engaged in significant bilateral discussions with the President of Palau and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare. These discussions focused on reinforcing mutual support and cooperation between the nations.

Police officers deployed to assist at Games

They were deployed one month prior to the games to join forces with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries to ensure the game is conducted safely. 

Speaking during a press conference in Honiara recently, the Contingent Commander for the 17th Pacific Games, John Sagom said the RPNGC is set and ready to assist the Solomon Islands Police Force to mitigate any uprising crime that may occur during the games.

Pacific Games set for opening

There's excitement in the air before the big ceremony which is scheduled to start at 7pm to 9pm at the newly built Solomon Islands National Stadium.

It is the first time Solomon Islands has hosted the Pacific Games, though they did host the mini games in 1981.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has challenged Team Solomon Islands to win 40 gold medals in front of the home crowd.

The Pacific Games is arguably the most significant sporting event on the Oceania calendar, held every four years, bringing together athletes from across the Pacific Islands.

Football draws set

Football will be the first sport to get underway for the games in Honiara starting on Friday November 17 two days before the opening ceremony on the 19th.

The Games Organizing Committee announced the fixtures this week with the teams placed by current FIFA rankings.

In the men's competition

Group A - New Caledonia, Tonga and the Cook Islands

Group B - Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.

Group C – Tahiti, Fiji and the Northern Marianas

Group D - Solomon Islands, Samoa and American Samoa

First contingent arrive in Honiara

They now join the advance team that arrived last Friday, November 10th.

Team PNG consists of 483 athletes and 22 team officials who will compete in 21 different sports during the games.

Chef De Mission (CDM) Faye Zina Lalo, who led Team PNG's first contingent yesterday expressed her excitement.

“Today marks my third visit to the Solomon Islands, and I’m thrilled to be here with my team for this year’s games in Honiara.

Advance Team in Honiara

PNG will be looking for another impressive showing at this year’s Pacific Games after their second-place finish on the medal tally of the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.

The team of seven consisted of Team General Manager Anzilla Miro and leads of respective functional areas; Christabella Amona (administration), Adam Parka (Operations), Dr. Kapua Kapua (Chief Medical Officer), Matthew Natusch (Physio), Desmond Kaviagu (Performance) and Andrew Molen (Media).

Miro said PNG will be sending a large number of athletes for the games.

Team PNG aims to send full team

Prime Minister James Marape announced that the government will be supporting the team with K8.5 million to send the team to the Solomon Islands this month. Marape made the announcement during Team PNG’s farewell event at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Friday 10th November.

When this support comes through, it will see a full team of 514 athletes and officials line up against the rest of the Pacific in 20 of the 24 sports that are on offer.