Flying The Flag Together: Team PNG Named For Glasgow 2026

Team PNG and Air Niugini announced Papua New Guinea’s team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games today (July 7th), celebrating a longstanding partnership committed to supporting the nation’s elite athletes on the international stage. 

Team PNG will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, with a delegation of 55 members comprising 35 athletes, 12 officials, and 8 members of the Games Management Team. The team will compete in five sports: Athletics and Para-Athletics, Boxing, Women's 3x3 Basketball, Weightlifting, and Swimming across 11 days of competition from July 23 to August 2. 

A major highlight of Team PNG's participation at Glasgow 2026 will be our debut in Women's 3x3 Basketball at a Commonwealth Games. The qualification of the women's team represents a significant milestone for women's sport in PNG and reflects the growth and development of basketball throughout the country. 

The achievement also signals PNG’s return to the Commonwealth Games team-sport competition for the first time in sixteen years. The last time Team PNG was represented in team sports at the Games was at New Delhi in 2010, where the nation competed in both Rugby Sevens and Netball. 

Team PNG Chef de Mission, Elaine Iorive, said the Glasgow-bound team is a testament to the continued progress of high-performance sport in PNG and the dedicated work of national federations, coaches, support staff, and athletes who have committed themselves to reaching the highest levels of competition. 

“While Team PNG will be striving for strong performances in Glasgow, the campaign also represents a broader mission of inspiring the next generation of athletes, promoting national unity through sport, and showcasing the resilience, talent, and spirit of PNG to the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Iorive. 

“Importantly, Glasgow 2026 will also provide a valuable platform for Team PNG to build towards the 2027 Pacific Games and 2028 Olympics in LA, allowing our athletes and officials to gain vital international experience, strengthen high-performance pathways, and continue the momentum that will support PNG’s ambitions on home soil and across the Pacific region.”

Iorive also expressed her appreciation of Air Niugini's continued support of the national team. 

"Air Niugini has been a valued partner of Team PNG for many years. Their support allows our athletes and officials to focus on achieving their best at the Commonwealth Games,” said Iorive. 

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Milne, said the national airline is proud to continue supporting Team PNG as it embarks on its journey to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

"At Air Niugini, we proudly carry the Bird of Paradise on our tail and the Papua New Guinea flag wherever we fly,” Mr. Milne said.

“Team PNG carries those same national colours into international competition. This partnership is therefore a natural one—two proud national symbols representing Papua New Guinea on the world stage." 

Team PNG has competed at 15 Commonwealth Games since its debut at the 1962 in Perth, Australia.

The following are the athletes and officials of the respective sports: 

Athletics Athletes 

Leroy Kamau, William Peka, Jiuteis Robinson, Robert Oa, Tovetuna Timothy Tuna, Daniel Baul, Johnny Bai, Adolf Kauba, Lakona Gerega, Pais Wisil, Hephhzibah Romalus, Scholastica Herman, Isila Apkup, Denlyne Kinbangi, Adrine Monagi 

Para-Athletes

Jerome Bunge, Regina Edwards 

Officials - Brett Green, Josepha Wailoni, Allan Akia, Jackie Traverts, Subul Babo 

Women’s 3X3 Basketball

Philomena Isei, Nauna Lelai, Normalisa Dobunaba, Jackie Asiba 

Coach - Gavin Dela Cruz 

Boxing

James Paul, Kua Mua, Bid Michael, Petronella Nokenoke, Flora Loga

Officials - Mark John Keto, Leonie Madgwick

Swimming 

Josh Tarere, Thomas Chen, Jhnayali Tokome-Garap, Joanna Chen, Roxanne Kirarock

Officials - Carly Pini, Rick Van Der Zant 

Weightlifting

Thelma Toua, Loa Dika Toua, Kevau Baru, Morea Baru

Officials - Willie Tamasi, Daroa Lou, Konio Keke Tamarua