Ambassador Liu Weimin said China is proud to help Tonga build skills and grow its economy. The Chinese Government will continue to support Tonga and hoped that the two-months training would be fruitful for the athletes in their preparations for the 2031 Pacific Games.

Attending were Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Sinaitakla Tu’itahi, and the Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata.

The tennis team’s manager, Karen Fonua, told Matangi Tonga that some of these athletes were travelling abroad for the first-time.

“This opportunity to go halfway across the world was a big eye-opener, I was in awe just being able to watch the kids and the expressions on their faces, when seeing things for the first time, like railways, bridges and skyscrapers,” she said.

Karen said that this opportunity to travel allowed the young athletes to experience independence, by being away from their families.

The Chinese team helped them to settle into and cope with the new environment, relieving the officials.

“We had translators with us 24/7, they made sure all our needs were met, we had great rooms, facilities, three meals a day – it took that burden off us officials, where we could just focus on the kids and make sure they did their training,” she said.

The training will help athletes to  prepare for the Pacific Games, to be hosted by Tonga in 2031.