The achievement marks a milestone for basketball in Tonga with the women completing the tournament undefeated while the men claimed the overall title despite suffering two losses on the final day of competition.
This means that for the first time, Tonga’s men's and women's teams are qualifying for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup to be held in Wuhan, China from 15-19 September 2026.
The victories at the regional tournament in New Caledonia from 11-17 June, continue Tonga's rapid rise in the 3x3 format and build on recent international success, including the women's breakthrough appearance in the main draw at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore earlier this year.
Tonga Basketball Director Cahn Fitzgerald said the achievement reflected the dedication of the players and the growing strength of the sport across the Pacific.
"We're proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup," Fitzgerald said.
"But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3x3 across the Blue Pacific.
"We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that's what makes this result meaningful for us."
Fitzgerald said the players embodied Tonga Basketball's creed of "Tonga Mo'ui Li'oa", or life of sacrifice.
"They worked for this win, for each other, for their families and most importantly for the Kingdom of Tonga," he said.
International profile
The women's success follows their historic performance at the Asia Cup, where they advanced to the main draw for the first time. The team is also preparing to represent Tonga at next month's Commonwealth Games, providing another opportunity to build on its growing international profile.
Both teams will now compete at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, giving Tonga representation on one of the sport's premier youth stages.
Their qualification also delivers valuable points toward the FIBA 3x3 federation rankings, which contribute to Olympic qualification pathways.
FIBA Oceania executive director Amanda Jenkins said the tournament highlighted the progress being made throughout the region.
"This year's FIBA 3x3 Nations League Pacific showed just how far Oceania national federations have come in a short time," Jenkins said.
"Every team contributed to the region's ranking, every game mattered and the level of play continues to rise."
Teams from Fiji, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands also gained ranking points during the competition, strengthening Oceania's position ahead of future international events, including qualification pathways towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
