Flag bearer and boxer, Magan Maka, dressed in traditional tau’olunga costume, led Tonga’s contingent of athletes to a loud cheering crowd at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games held at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, last night.

Thirteen athletes are representing Tonga in shot put, hurdles, boxing, swimming, lawn bowls, shooting, and weightlifting.

President of the Tonga Sports Association, Lord Tupou, said that “the athletes have trained hard and are all in good spirits and well-prepared to give their very best for Tonga at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.” 

In a show of support, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, arrived in Queensland on Sunday and granted an audience with the athletes and officials prior to the opening ceremony. This was followed by a prayer vigil with the Queensland Tongan Community.

The King and Queen join other worldwide dignitaries attending the games, including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Today, 5 April, Tonga will compete in Lawn Bowls Women Singles (Malia Kioa), Swimming 50m Butterfly (Finau ‘Ohuafi), and Boxing 69kg (John Moleni).

Tongans residing in South-East Queensland will have the chance to hear more from the athletes and officials on the Voice of Tonga radio programme on Radio 4EB FM later this week.

The Commonwealth Games will run for over 11 days, ending on 15 April.