PUIPUITU’A (BACKGROUND)
Koe fakamatala nounou ki he ‘uhinga moe taumu’a ‘oe langa ngaue ni
At Tonga Basketball, we are driven by two fundamental goal: to showcase our unique culture to the world on a global scale and to contribute to the growth and development of our beloved country through the sport of basketball.
In November 2018, after an 18-year absence from international competitions, a determined team of 6 male players proudly represented the Kingdom of Tonga at the FIBA Polynesian Cup competition in Samoa. This event served as the qualifier for the prestigious 2019 Pacific Games, often hailed as the Olympic Games of the South Pacific. Tonga's remarkable performance led them to secure a commendable 3rd place and secure a spot at the 2019 Pacific Games.
Throughout the years, the Kingdom of Tonga has produced exceptional athletes in various sports such as rugby league, rugby union, and gridiron, including talented NBA players with Tongan heritage. Building on this rich sporting legacy, Tonga Basketball was re-established to seize the momentum of 2018 and embark on a journey of revitalizing basketball as a preferred sport in our nation.
An ambitious in-country development program was introduced, complemented by the skill and dedication of players from the Tongan diaspora. Together, we are forging a path for our young people in this global sport – charting the future of our small island kingdom. We firmly believe in the power of the Tongan saying, "Si'i pe kae ha," which translates to "Small but Mighty," encapsulating our unwavering determination and resilience.
At Tonga Basketball, we are more than just a sports organization; we are ambassadors of our culture and heritage, eager to share the richness of Tongan traditions with the world. Through basketball, we strive to create a platform that brings our nation together, celebrates diversity, and fosters unity.
As we continue to pursue our goals, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our passionate supporters, dedicated athletes, and the broader community, whose unwavering support fuels our journey. Together, we embark on a mission to make a lasting impact on the global basketball stage while contributing to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Kingdom of Tonga.