Tonga netball team launches Commonwealth Games campaign against Australia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 7:13 AM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Tonga's national netball team begins its inaugural Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow, facing Australia on Saturday. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic, Tonga has climbed to the eighth position in world rankings after starting from scratch in 2014. CEO Salote Sisifa and coach Jaqua Pori-Makea-Simpson have been pivotal in this ascent, recruiting players and building a competitive team. The match against Australia marks a significant milestone for Tonga, illustrating their remarkable journey in netball.
- •Tonga faces Australia in Commonwealth Games on July 25, 2026.
- •Team is ranked eighth in the world and has a remarkable backstory.
- •Salote Sisifa has led Tongan netball since 2014, overcoming major setbacks.
- •Tonga's effort includes recruiting players with Tongan heritage from abroad.
- 7:13 AMYahoo Sports — Empty cupboards to full hearts - Tonga's remarkable road to Glasgow
- 7:13 AMBBC Sport — Empty cupboards to full hearts - Tonga's remarkable road to Glasgow
"Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team. How they got to this stage is remarkable.
"Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team. How they got to this stage is remarkable.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 7:13 AMEmpty cupboards to full hearts - Tonga's remarkable road to Glasgow
Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team. How they got to this stage is remarkable.
- BBC SportJul 25, 2026, 7:13 AMEmpty cupboards to full hearts - Tonga's remarkable road to Glasgow
Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team. How they got to this stage is remarkable.
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