By Katalina Siasau

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games King's Baton Relay has arrived in Tonga for a six-day celebration. To mark its arrival, the Tonga-designed baton was presented to the Crown Prince last night, with several events scheduled to follow.

This 18th King’s Baton Relay is the first time in Commonwealth Games history that each participating nation and territory has been entrusted with their own baton design. This change has created the longest ever baton relay for a Commonwealth Games, with each nation and territory having six days to organize meaningful celebrations.

To mark the occasion, a reception was held by the British High Commission on last night, 2 February, 2026, at the TOP Restaurant in Nuku’alofa, when the British High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Philip Malone, presented the Tonga-designed baton to HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala.

HE Malone said, “This week, and in advance of the games, we celebrate the Commonwealth Kings Baton Relay here in Tonga. For both Tonga and the UK, this is a significant event that brings people together in the celebration. It reflects the spirit of unity, happiness, and joy, whether we will be on the field or simply cheering from the sidelines. A spirit evident here in Tonga through the strong support for sport and the athletes who will represent Tonga in July."

Tonga’s baton was designed and carved by renowned Master Carver, Mr. Steve Fehoko. Working with Scottish ashwood, Fehoko has created an intricate carving - signifying Tongan ancestors role in the Pacific seafaring.

Ocean plastics

A core components of the Commonwealth King's baton relay this year, is the launch of the Commonwealth Games Ocean Plastic campaign here Tonga.

During the relay week, church groups, community organisations, and government leaders will unite for three days on beach and waterfront clean-ups across Tongatapu to support the Commonwealth Games’ global Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign to remove one million pieces of plastic from the world’s waterways during the relay.

The Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July to 2 August 2026, in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. The games will be delivered by the city of Glasgow, in  partnership with Commonwealth Games Scotland, backs by the Commonwealth Games Federation and supports from Commonwealth Games Australia.

Glasgow will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, including Tonga, with 10 sports and six paras sports, and 11 day festival of energy, community, and ambition.

Tonga has won a total of three bronze medals throughout the history of the Commonwealth Games.