TEAM PNG ANNOUNCE FINAL SQUAD FOR GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

Team PNG has officially announced its final squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with 55 athletes set to represent Papua New Guinea.

The team was announced today at the Jack’s APEC Terminal in Port Moresby by Team PNG Chef de Mission Elaine Lorive, who confirmed the squad comprises of 35 athletes, 12 officials and 8 of the general management team.

The athletes will compete in athletics, para-athletics, boxing, women’s 3×3 basketball, swimming and weightlifting.

A major highlight is the qualification of the women’s 3×3 basketball team, marking Papua New Guinea’s first appearance in the event at the Commonwealth Games and the country’s return to team sport competition at the Games for the first time in 16 years.

Lorive said every athlete selected earned the honours through dedication, discipline and hard work, adding that the team would proudly represent Papua New Guinea while gaining valuable experience ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The final squad for athletics is Leroy Kamau, William Peka, Jiuetis Robinson, Robert Oa, Tovetuna Timothy Tuna, Daniel Baul, Johnny Bai, Adolf Kauba, Lakona Gerega, Pais Wisil, Hephzibah Romalus, Scholastica Herman, Isila Apkup, Denlyne Kinbangi and Adrine Monagi;

Para-athletics are Jerome Bunge and Regina Edwards and women’s 3×3 basketball: Philomena Isei, Nauna Lelai, Normalisa Dobunaba and Jackie Asiba.

While in Boxing Representing PNG would be James Paul, Kua Mua, Bid Micheal, Petronella Nokenoke ,Flora Loga and in Swimming Josh Tarere, Thomas Chen, Jhnayali Tokome-Garap, Joanna Chen, Roxanne Kirarock
Leading the weigh weightlifting team would be Loa Dika Toua, Thelma Toua, Kevau Baru and Morea Baru.

Team PNG also acknowledged the continued support of its national federations, coaches, families, sponsors, the media and long-standing partner Air Niugini as preparations begin for Glasgow 2026.