Youth chess team to represent Tonga in Australia this week [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 16:43
Tonga Chess Team, from left: Donald Tonutonu, Hinavakamea Helu, Veisinia Talau, Tau'ataina Satini and Assistant coach, Emily Tu'ifua. Photo: Supplied.
A three-player chess team will represent Tonga at the 2025 Oceania Youth Chess Championship in Brisbane, Australia on 13–17 December.
Coach Gary Bekker said, “This championship is about more than results — it is about experience, learning, and growing Tonga’s presence on the international chess map.”
He said Tonga's participation in this championship is an important step towards the development of chess in Tonga. This is the first full youth team to compete internationally at this level.
"We are sending enthusiastic and committed players who have shown great dedication," he said.
Team:
Players
- Hinavakamea Helu - Girls Under 14
- Donald Tonutonu - Open Under 14
- Tauʻataina Satini - Open Under 16
Officials
- Gary Bekker (Australia) - Head Coach
- Veisinia Talau (Tonga) - Assistant Coach
- Emily Tu’ifua (Tonga) - Support Staff
- Lavinia Pahulu (Tonga) - Support Staff
Chess players, from left: Hinavakamea Helu, Donald Tonutonu and Tau'ataina Satini. Photo: Supplied.
Sports [6]