Tonga will participate in weightlifting and the Rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, England, from 28 July to 8 August, this year.

Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic (TASANOC) Secretary General, Takitoa Taumoepeau announced the two confirmed sports yesterday.

In weightlifting, Sio Pomelile will compete in the Men’s 109kg event, while Olympian, Kuinini Manumu’a will compete in the 87kg event. Their coaches are Ben Hwa and Kevin Doherty.

Takitoa said Kuinini is the second female athlete to qualify for a Commonwealth Games by merit for Tonga.

The first female to qualify by merit for the games was ‘Ana Po’uhila in 2006 in shot put.

Other female athletes have represented Tonga at previous Commonwealth Games as “bipartite / wild card entries”.

Meanwhile, the Rugby sevens team and officials have not been finalized. Takitoa said 13 sevens players and three officials are yet to be named.

Tongan athletes in other sports such as athletics, boxing, swimming, and wrestling are also expected to be confirmed to attend the games at a later date.

"We are liaising with other Sports/NF's as they also have their own qualifying events to select from," said Takitoa.

At least 29 athletes and 18 officials from Tonga are likely to attend the games.

The majority of athletes are currently training overseas particularly in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and America.

Tonga’s Chef de Mission for the Birmingham Commonwealths Games is Suliana Afu, who is also the Deputy President of TASANOC, and the President of Tonga Swimming.