Tonga was first runner-up in this year’s Nevada Best Warrior competition next to Fiji, in Las Vegas, USA. The three-day competition saw seventeen participants, including four from Tonga and Fiji.

The competition tested the soldiers mentally and physically through different exercises and tests including, an Army Combat Fitness Tests (CFT), Weapon Knowledge and Marksmanship, a Military Knowledge Examination Board and testing of a range of other skills.

Private English Kupu who came in second place after Fiji’s Corporal Nemani Serea, told Matangi Tonga that it was a tough experience, especially when it came to adjusting to the cold weather of Las Vegas.

“The hardest part of the competition, was having to deal with the cold –being out in the dessert was really cold at night” he said.

Tonga’s representatives included Lieutenant Colonel Tuitavuki, Corpal Sione Fineanganofo, LCPL Sione Kaianuanu and, participants Privates English Kupu, Samuela Leao and Tevita Lehauli.

They returned to Tongatapu yesterday, 17 April 2024.