Results for Sports

In an increasingly globalized world where people are citizens of more than one country, representation by athletes at nationalistic sporting events such as the Olympic Games is really made up of a fusion of international talent regardless of what flag they walk under.

From running barefoot on a grass field at school sports competitions in Tonga to running on the track at the Rio Olympics, Taina Halasima is living the dream. Only 18 years old, Taina is happy and excited to compete in the 100m sprints against the best in the world in Rio.

Two Tongan Olympic archers, competing as individuals, received their rankings in the ranking rounds on Friday and Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hans Arne Jensen was ranked 61 out of 64 archers and Karoline Lusitania Tatafu was ranked 63 out of 64 archers. This means they will be matched against top ranked Olympic archers in the Olympic Archery 1/ 32 elimination rounds on August 8-9 (Tuesday and Wednesday, Tonga time).

Four players of Tongan heritage in the Wellington Hurricanes are set to face the Johannesburg Lions in the 2016 Super Rugby final at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow night Saturday August 6. Loni ‘Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Willis Halaholo and Ngani Laumape are all fantastic, says their manager.

Irene Prescott (22) looks at how far she has come to get to the Rio Olympics and sees her efforts not as sacrifice. “To me it is not really a sacrifice but a way of life and I hope to inspire all the young people in Tonga to choose a healthy lifestyle and strive to reach their personal goals,” she says.

Amini Tuitavake Britteon Fonua (26) is no stranger to high-level competitive swimming and will represent Tonga at his second Olympic Games in Rio. He is set to compete in the 100m breaststroke heat on Sunday, 7 August 2016 (NZ time).

Tongan Olympian Karoline Lusitania Tatafu (18) aims to perform to the best of her ability and not let the atmosphere overwhelm her at the Rio Olympic that opens in four days time. Lusi hopes to achieve a personal best score and get through the first elimination round. Getting to the Olympics is no easy task and being self-funded meant Lusi's family has supported her and continues to support her providing 80% of costs so she can represent Tonga. She gave up her studies to train.

Australian-Tongan boxer Solomon Haumono was defeated last night by number one IBF contender and New Zealand champion Joseph Parker at the Horncastle fight arena in Christchurch, New Zealand. The fight was ended by a controversial stoppage in the fourth round.

The draw for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup was announced yesterday, July 19, by its organising committee. Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have been confirmed as the hosts of the World Cup, from October 27 to December 2 next year. Tonga will play in pool B of the World Cup matched up against New Zealand, Samoa and Scotland.