Three athletes, six boxers, three heavy-weight lifters, and 12 seven-a-side rugby players will make up the Tongan sports team for this year'’s Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The Tonga team (with the exception of the rugby players) was announced yesterday, February 8, by Po...’oi Puloka, the Secretary General of the Tonga Amateur Sports Association (TASA).

Tonga'’s medals prospects are with the athletes, particularly the Shot Put thrower, ‘Ana Po‘’uhila; and in boxing with Light Heavyweight boxer, Mokai Paraha. ‘‘Ana won the female shot put event at the Australia National Track and Field Championships in which she threw a 16.43m in Sydney last week. Mokai Paraha, a Light Heavyweight Boxer did extremely well in the recent boxing trials in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is on March 15.

Tonga Team and officials
Athletics
‘‘Ana Po‘’uhila, Women'’s Shot Put
Mele Hifo, Women'’s Discus
‘‘Aleki Sapoi, Men'’s 400m Hurdles
Team Manager Siaosi Kava,
Coach, Steve Hollings,
Boxing
‘‘Isekeli Maama, Super HeavyWeight
Kisione Kaloni Mahanga, HeavyWeight
Mokai Paraha, Light HeavyWeight
Tevita Richard Fonua, Middleweight
Viliami Tau‘’aika, Light Welterweight
Sitaleki Maka, Lightweight
Team Manager, Paea Wolfgram
Lolo Heimuli, Coach
Albert Heimuli, Trainer
Weightlifting
Kefilini Tu‘’alau, Women'’s 75+kg
Maama Lolohea, Men's 105+kg
Kelepulu Makahili, Men'’s 77+kg
Team Manager, Po‘’oi Puloka.
Chief de Mission, Sione Taumoepeau
General Team Manager, Takitoa Taumoepeau

Meanwhile, the 12 players for the seven-a-side team will be announced following the completion of the IRB tournament in the USA within the next few days, and they will depart Tonga for the Commonwealth Games on February 23.