A 27-member Pacific delegation, including work from Solomon Islands on faith- and sport-based prevention, is presenting 16 sessions on preventing violence against women and girls at the SVRI Forum 2026 in Bangkok from 5 to 9 October.
The Oceania Football Confederation has released the fixtures for the second season of the OFC Pro League, with Solomon Islands hosting the finals series from 25 May to 6 June 2027.
Solomon Islands will host the 2027 OFC Pro League final as Oceania’s professional football competition announces its fixtures. 2027 will also see a new finals format, involving all eight clubs, kicking off on May 25 with the Play-offs, followed by the Quarter-finals on May 29, Semi-finals on June 2 and the final on Sunday, June [...]
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Team Solomon returns from Samarkand after surpassing 2014 Olympiad benchmark
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
TEAM Solomon has returned home from Uzbekistan with a new national record after completing its 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad campaign with six match points and 14.5 individual board points.
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) confirmed the achievement following the team’s arrival in Honiara yesterday after competing in the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
The result represents a significant improvement on the Solomon Islands’ previous Olympiad benchmark established in Tromsø, Norway, in 2014, when the national side collected three match points and 7.5 board points.
After 12 years, the national record has now been substantially raised, with the 2026 team doubling the country’s previous match-point tally and adding seven more individual board points.
SICF said the team completed all 11 rounds of the Open competition, facing players from different chess nations during its campaign.
The federation also recorded three team victories in Samarkand, another improvement on the country’s previous Olympiad participation.
Among the individual players, Fred Resture produced the highest total for the Solomon Islands, scoring 4.5 points from 11 games on Board One.
Junior Lui followed with four points from 11 games on Board Three, while Chris Kaitu’u collected 3.5 points from his 11 games on Board Two.
Reserve player Abel Puia Sau made three appearances and contributed two points, while Melanie Chottu scored half a point from eight games.
SICF President and Head of Delegation Simon Chottu said the achievement belonged not only to the players but also to the wider group supporting chess development in the country.
“We went to Samarkand determined to compete, learn and represent our country with pride,” Chottu said.
He added that the team had returned with greater experience and confidence after establishing a new national Olympiad benchmark.
The federation also acknowledged Team Captain Ke Chen and Assistant Captain James Samu for their preparation and support throughout the tournament.
The 2026 Olympiad provided Solomon Islands players with the opportunity to compete on one of the world’s biggest chess stages, with 206 teams ultimately taking part in the Open section. FIDE’s official records confirm the event was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with 11 rounds of competition.
The new record now gives future Solomon Islands teams a higher mark to chase when the country next competes at Chess Olympiad level.
Solomon Islands’ previous Olympiad appearance was in Tromsø in 2014, where the team finished with three match points and 7.5 individual points.
Photo credit: Solomon Islands Chess Federation/Facebook
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Kolombangara Schools Mini-Sports Carnival is set to kick off next week at Kukudu Primary School, with eight schools expected to take part.
The five-day event will run from October 4 to 8 and will bring together students from schools across Kolombangara to compete in various sporting activities.
Chairman of the organising committee, Daromae Aseri, received five trophies, sports balls and other equipment from the Western Province Sports Division on Thursday ahead of the carnival.
Aseri said the participating schools are Kaza Primary, Mendina Primary, Gatere Primary, Vavanga Primary, Iriri Primary, Kukudu Primary, Santupaele Primary and Viru Primary.
He said students will compete in three age categories — junior, intermediate and senior.
“The junior category is for children aged six to nine, the intermediate category is for 10 to 11 years old, and the senior category is for children aged 12 and above,” Aseri said.
He said the senior category will feature soccer and volleyball for both boys and girls.
Aseri said track events will include the 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races, while field events will include javelin, discus, shot put and long jump.
He said the carnival is being held under the theme “Together Play, Celebrate and Learn.”
Aseri said the event is intended to complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities for physical activity.
“Students must get a balance in learning and that includes indoor and physical learning to stay fit and healthy,” he said.
Aseri encouraged participating schools to bring their students and support the carnival, while acknowledging the Western Province Sports Division for its assistance.
Western Province Sports Coordinator Jim Ben said the Sports Division is pleased to support the event because it aligns with the provincial government’s policy direction on rural sports development.
He said the Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement (ACAREA) government’s policy includes supporting sports development in rural schools, communities and clubs.
Ben said support from the Sports Division depends partly on organisations being active and well organised.
“Schools, communities and clubs must be well organised and must be prepared to meet some of the costs.
“If they are active and do their part, the Sports Division will render support with its limited budget,” he said.
For the Kolombangara carnival, the Sports Division donated five trophies — an overall trophy, boys’ soccer trophy, girls’ soccer trophy, boys’ volleyball trophy and girls’ volleyball trophy.
It also provided soccer balls, volleyballs, nets, javelins and a shot put.
Ben said supporting sporting activities in rural areas is important in developing young athletes who could eventually represent Western Province at future tournaments.
He encouraged other islands in the province to organise similar sporting events for children and young people.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
ST. DOMINIC Athletics Club is embracing modern technology and international partnerships to keep its growing group of athletes trained and equipped.
Club leader Stephen Rahuasi, who mentors the club’s younger athletes, is using mobile technology and digital messaging groups to manage training sessions remotely when he is away from Honiara.
Rahuasi said social media and group messaging platforms allow the squad to maintain its training momentum even when he is away from the capital.
“These days, social media reaches everywhere,” Rahuasi said. “Even though I will be away from Honiara, the athletes will continue their training. While I am not officially a full-time coach, I act as one by sending training programs into our group chat.”
In addition to remote coaching through digital platforms, the club has received technical and material support from overseas partner and coach Joyselyne.
Rahuasi acknowledged Joycelyn’s contribution, which includes guidance on training programmes and donations of essential running shoes for the club’s younger athletes.
“Coach Joycelyne has been a massive help to us, especially the senior athletes,” Rahuasi said.
“Whenever I design programs for the younger athletes, I review them with her first so she can provide valuable feedback.”
“She has also helped source running shoes from her teaching institution overseas, which I distribute to our younger athletes during training,” he added. “Her support has been invaluable.”
Access to proper footwear and professional coaching resources remains a challenge for many local athletics clubs.
For St. Dominic Athletics Club, however, international mentor networks and digital communication tools such as WhatsApp are helping provide a way to maintain regular training and support for athletes, even when key mentors are away from Honiara.
[Photo: Solomon Islands representative Stephen Rahuasi. Photo supplied.]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands middle-distance athlete Stephen Rahuasi is continuing his push towards the Pacific Games in Tahiti next year while balancing a demanding academic schedule.
Rahuasi produced an impressive individual performance at the National Championship, collecting three gold medals and two silver medals despite the demands of his nursing studies.
The national star confirmed he will soon travel to the provinces for a two-month practical nursing placement, but remains determined to keep his athletics preparations on track.
“Based on my results from this competition, I am still very fit,” Rahuasi said. “Even though I have been extremely busy with my studies, I managed to win three gold medals and two silver medals. Next week, I will be leaving for a two-month practical placement in another province as part of my nursing program.”
Despite temporarily relocating away from Honiara’s main training facilities, Rahuasi is confident he can adapt and maintain his fitness.
“I will continue my preparations from home while I am away,” he said. “I’ll find time to train, adapt to the new environment, and keep going. I am still actively preparing for the Pacific Games next year.”
The dual-career athlete also shared a message of encouragement for aspiring athletes, stressing the mental strength required to reach the top level in individual sports.
“To become a champion, you must think like a champion and perform like a champion,” Rahuasi said. “Nothing comes easy, especially in athletics, which is an individual sport. My advice to any young person who wants to be a champion is simple: think like a champion and live like a champion.”
Rahuasi is one of Solomon Islands’ leading athletics representatives, having competed for the country at regional and international meets, including the Commonwealth Games.
Alongside his athletics career, he is pursuing professional nursing studies, highlighting the challenge of balancing elite sport with higher education.
Photo:Stephen Rahuasi (front row, third from right) poses on the podium with fellow club athletes at the National Stadium. Photo credit: NSC.
Fiji win sends Solomon Islands out as Bonitos settle for draw with PNG
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands’ hopes of reaching the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final ended in Suva yesterday after the Bonitos were held to a 1-1 draw by Papua New Guinea before Fiji defeated New Caledonia 2-1 in the night’s second match.
The results left Vanuatu and Fiji on seven points each, with Solomon Islands finishing third on six points. Papua New Guinea ended on four, while New Caledonia finished on three.
According to the competition format confirmed by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the top two teams after the round-robin stage qualify for the October 3 final.
The Bonitos went into the final round knowing that victory over PNG would guarantee their place in the decider, while a draw would leave their fate dependent on the result of Fiji’s later encounter with New Caledonia.
They could only manage a share of the points against the Kapuls.
The 1-1 result lifted Solomon Islands to six points from four matches, leaving them needing New Caledonia to deny the hosts in the second match.
That hope, however, vanished when Fiji secured a 2-1 victory to collect three valuable points and move level with Vanuatu at the top of the standings.
Fiji had entered the final day on four points after their 2-0 victory over PNG on Sunday, while New Caledonia came into the match on three points. The Fijians’ win therefore took them to seven points and secured their place in Saturday’s final alongside defending champions Vanuatu.
The result was particularly disappointing for Solomon Islands after an unbeaten opening three matches had put Ben Cahn’s side in a strong position.
The Bonitos opened the campaign with a 3-3 draw against Fiji before defeating New Caledonia 2-0. They then fought back three times against Vanuatu to earn another 3-3 draw, with captain Javin Wae scoring late to rescue a point. Fiji FA previously reported that result as a six-goal thriller.
Those results had placed Solomon Islands on five points heading into yesterday’s final round, behind Vanuatu but ahead of Fiji, PNG and New Caledonia.
However, the final round produced the two results the Bonitos could not afford — their own draw and a Fiji victory.
For Cahn’s side, the tournament ends without a defeat, but also without the final appearance they had been chasing.
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup features Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, with each side playing four round-robin matches. OFC confirmed before the tournament that the top two teams would meet in the October 3 final. The competition was revitalised in 2022 and this year marks its fifth successive edition.
Photo credit: Fiji Football Association
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Unsponsored St. Dominic Athletics Club Dominates National Championship with Massive 47-Medal Tally
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
ST. DOMINIC Athletics Club has cemented its position as the premier track and field club in the Solomon Islands, topping the official medal tally to capture the overall title at the conclusion of the three-day Athletics National Championship at the National Stadium yesterday.
Official results released by the National Sports Council (NSC) media confirmed that the young club finished the championship at the top of the standings with an impressive haul of 47 medals—comprising 23 gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze.
The massive medal collection comes despite the club operating entirely without corporate sponsorship, fielding up to 40 athletes across every single discipline to secure maximum points over the three days of competition.
Speaking following the victory, national middle-distance runner and St. Dominic leader Stephen Rahuasi expressed immense pride in the squad’s performance despite their off-track financial struggles.
“I am very happy and proud of St. Dominic Athletics Club,” Rahuasi said. “Without any sponsors, we have been struggling on our own to manage the club. We have up to 40 athletes now. It was not easy, but we came out on top overall.”
Rahuasi explained that the club entered the national meet with a clear, strategic objective: to ensure no track or field event was left unentered.
“Our mindset coming into this competition was strictly focused on winning the overall title,” he shared. “Our strategy was to ensure we didn’t leave any event unentered. We made sure we had athletes competing in every single event, which allowed us to collect a large tally of medals.”
Highlighting the growth of the young squad, Rahuasi commended the dedication of the up-and-coming athletes who continue to elevate their performance each year.
“I am so proud of our young athletes,” he added. “They gave it their best and have improved significantly since we first started.”
St. Dominic Athletics Club was founded by senior Solomon Islands athletes to address the lack of development structures in local athletics. Operating as a grassroots initiative, the club relies entirely on self-management and community support to train and equip dozens of local athletes for national track and field events.
Photo credit: NSC
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Solomon Islands face PNG in crucial MSG Cup decider
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands will face Papua New Guinea in a crucial final round-robin clash of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
According to FFA, Oceania Football Association and OFC, the match kicks off at 4pm Fiji time (3pm Solomon Islands time), with the Solomon Islands needing a strong result to keep their place in Saturday’s final within reach.
The latest standings have Vanuatu leading on seven points, followed by Solomon Islands on five, Fiji on four, and Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia on three points each. Vanuatu moved to the top after beating New Caledonia 4-1 on Sunday.
That leaves the Solomon Islands with a clear but demanding task. A win over PNG would take them to eight points and guarantee a place in the October 3 final. A draw would take them to six points, but they would then need Fiji to drop points against New Caledonia later today to finish inside the top two.
PNG, meanwhile, are also fighting for survival in the final race after suffering defeats to New Caledonia and Fiji following their opening 2-1 comeback win over defending champions Vanuatu. Fiji beat PNG 2-0 on Sunday, leaving the Kapuls on three points heading into their final match.
Solomon Islands remain unbeaten after three matches, having drawn 3-3 with Fiji, defeated New Caledonia 2-0 and then shared another 3-3 thriller with Vanuatu.
Against Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands came from behind three times, with Don Keana, Raphael Lea’i and captain Javin Wae finding the net. Wae’s 86th-minute equaliser secured another valuable point for Ben Cahn’s side. Fiji FA described the encounter as a six-goal thriller.
The Solomon Islands have scored eight goals in three matches but have also conceded six, making defensive discipline an important focus against a PNG side that will be desperate to keep its final hopes alive.
For PNG, the match represents one last opportunity to climb the standings, while Solomon Islands know victory would remove the uncertainty and book their place in the decider.
The MSG Prime Ministers Cup features Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia, with each team playing the others once before the top two meet in the final. OFC confirmed the competition is the fifth edition since the tournament was revived in 2022.
Solomon Islands are chasing a place in the October 3 final after an unbeaten opening three matches. Vanuatu have already completed their four round-robin games and sit top on seven points, leaving the Bonitos, PNG and Fiji to battle for the remaining final position in today’s decisive fixtures.
Photo credit: Fiji Football Association
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Athletics championship opens pathway to 2027 Pacific Games selection
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The race for places in the Solomon Islands athletics squad for next year’s Pacific Games has officially begun, with the national athletics championship underway yesterday at the National Stadium in Honiara.
The three-day championship, running from September 28–30, has brought together athletes from Honiara clubs and several provinces, with performances being closely watched as Athletics Solomon begins its selection process for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
According to Athletics Solomon president Michael Kuali, the championship is the first of a series of trials that will help identify athletes who could be developed into the national squad, with further time trials planned later this year and early next year.
“This competition is very important. It is to scout any possible athletes and select them to start training for the upcoming Tahiti Pacific Games,” Kuali said.
Athletes from Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Central Islands provinces are competing alongside representatives from Honiara clubs, giving the championship a broad national representation.
Kuali said Athletics Solomon is hoping the three-day competition will produce performances that can help identify athletes with the potential to progress into the national preparation squad.
“We will look forward for some good results, whereby we can pick up athletes,” he said.
Among those chasing a possible place in the national setup is 19-year-old Joseph Kilalo of St Dominic Club, who is competing in the 100m, 200m and high jump.
Kilalo made an early impression yesterday by winning the men’s high jump with a clearance of 1.55 metres.
“I am very excited to compete in this year’s championship and hope to do my best to be selected for the squad to compete in the upcoming Pacific Games next year,” Kilalo said.
Western Province representative Vealila Rolland is another athlete using the championship as an opportunity to test herself against wider competition, with the 10,000m and 1,500m among her events.
The championship also provides an important platform for younger athletes, with Under-16 competitors taking part under the same programme.
Day One produced several notable performances, including Mirriam Tura’s victory in the women’s 800m. The 14-year-old Guadalcanal athlete clocked 2:48.57 to finish ahead of Western Province’s Rinah Kabolo, 16, who ran 2:50.57.
Guadalcanal’s 11-year-old Julies Kabolo was third in 2:50.58.
In the men’s 800m, St Dominic’s Stephen Rahuasi took first place in 1:59.62, while Namsta Club’s Gabriel Ini, 16, finished second in 2:00.55.
The women’s 100m title went to Namsta Club’s Santy Kako in 13.40 seconds, with Julian Sosimo of St Dominic second in 13.78 and 16-year-old Jian Farobo third in 14.01.
The championship continues today with the 1,500m, long jump, 400m heats, discus, 200m heats, hurdles and 4x100m relays among the events scheduled before Wednesday’s final programme.
The three-day meet is being hosted by Athletics Solomon with support from the National Sports Council and other stakeholders.
It is expected to form an important early step in building the pool of athletes from which Solomon Islands’ 2027 Pacific Games team can eventually be selected.
Photo credit: NSC
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Senior side set for international friendlies and futsal partnership talks
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Brilliant Bullets Futsal Club’s senior men’s side has departed Solomon Islands for Vanuatu, where the club will play a series of international friendly matches against top Vanuatu futsal clubs.
The tour is also expected to open the door for greater cooperation between Brilliant Bullets and the Vanuatu futsal community, with the Solomon Islands club planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the visit.
According to the club, the proposed MOU will focus on mutual interests between Brilliant Bullets Futsal School of Excellence and its Vanuatu counterparts, including opportunities for player exchanges and participation in international competitions.
The international tour comes after the Brilliant Bullets senior boys completed their final domestic preparations with two convincing friendly-match victories.
They defeated Haura FC 4-2 before beating Kukstaon FC 4-1 in another preparation match, giving the squad a positive boost ahead of its overseas assignment.
The club thanked both Haura FC and Kukstaon FC for providing competitive opposition as the team prepared for the Vanuatu tour.
In a departure message posted on its social media platform yesterday, Brilliant Bullets said the team was leaving the country despite changes to its flight schedule.
The club said the players had worked hard and remained committed throughout their preparations for the tour.
The Vanuatu trip represents another step in Brilliant Bullets’ efforts to expose its players to international competition while building relationships with futsal clubs outside Solomon Islands.
The senior boys are expected to play their international friendlies against Vanuatu clubs during the tour, with the proposed partnership also aimed at creating further opportunities for players from both countries.
Photo: Supplied
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Tura, Rahuasi lead opening athletics results at National Stadium
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Mirriam Tura and Stephen Rahuasi were among the standout performers as the Athletics National Championship produced its first batch of winners at the National Stadium yesterday.
Tura, 14, claimed the women’s 800m title for Guadalcanal Province after stopping the clock at 2:48.57, edging Western Province’s Rinah Kabolo, 16, who finished second in 2:50.57.
According to results released by the National Sports Council (NSC), Guadalcanal’s 11-year-old Julies Kabolo completed the podium in 2:50.58.
The opening day also saw strong performances from St Dominic Athletics Club, with Joseph Kilalo, Stephen Rahuasi and Julian Sosimo all featuring prominently among the day’s medal winners.
Kilalo won the men’s high jump after clearing 1.55m, while his St Dominic teammates George Augustus and Moses Rafera both cleared 1.50m.
Augustus, 17, secured second place by clearing the height on his first attempt, while Rafera, also 17, took third after succeeding on his last attempt.
Rahuasi, 24, added another St Dominic victory in the men’s 800m, winning in 1:59.62.
Namsta Club’s Gabriel Ini, 16, was second in 2:00.55, while St Dominic’s Leslie Silas, 19, finished third in 2:02.83.
In the women’s javelin, Julian Sosimo claimed gold with a throw of 34.67m.
Santy Kako of Namsta Club finished second with 30.85m, while Malaita Province representative Gloria Musuota placed third after recording 23.27m.
Kako later returned to the track to win the women’s 100m final in 13.40 seconds.
Sosimo completed a second podium appearance by taking silver in 13.78 seconds, while St Dominic’s 16-year-old Jian Farobo finished third in 14.01.
The results formed part of the opening day of the three-day national championship, which is being used by Athletics Solomon as an early platform to identify athletes for further training towards the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
The championship has attracted athletes from Honiara clubs and provinces including Guadalcanal, Western, Malaita and Central Islands, with Under-16 athletes also competing.
Competition continues today with the 1,500m finals, long jump, 400m heats, discus, 200m heats, hurdles and relay events, before the championship concludes tomorrow.
With further trials planned later this year and early next year, the performances at the National Stadium represent the first opportunity for athletes to put their names forward in the wider Pacific Games selection pathway.
Photo credit: NSC Media
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Coaches and officials in Solomon Islands have completed first aid and sports trainer training delivered by St John Ambulance Solomon Islands and an Australian Defence Force accredited trainer, the Australian High Commission said.
The Australian Defence Force International Sports Program has returned to Honiara with volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis, the Australian High Commission said, with police and local sporting groups taking part in coaching and officiating training.
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands cricket coach Carlton Tisa has become only the second Solomon Islander to achieve the International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 1 coaching qualification.
Tisa successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course conducted in Brisbane, Australia, from August 4 to 6 this year.
The Solomon Islands Cricket Federation (SICF) recently announced the achievement, congratulating Tisa on completing the qualification and recognising the milestone for Solomon Islands cricket.
Carlton Tisa (right) poses with a fellow participant during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia. Photo SICF
“We are proud to announce that Carlton Tisa has successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course, becoming only the second Solomon Islander to achieve this qualification,” the federation said.
The federation also revealed that two more participants are currently awaiting their certificates, while extending its congratulations to all the coaches involved in the programme.
SICF also acknowledged ICC Regional Director Toby Cohen for his support and the opportunity provided, while thanking the federation for helping make the coaching programme possible.
Tisa’s achievement adds to the growing pool of locally qualified cricket coaches and provides another boost to coaching development in Solomon Islands cricket.
[Carlton Tisa pictured during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia, where he successfully completed the qualification from August 4–6, 2026. Photo: Solomon Islands Cricket Federation – SICF]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Solomon Islands is looking to strengthen its rugby sevens development through a new partnership with the United Kingdom, following the visit of former England international Ben Gollings to Honiara last week.
A statement from the British High Commission in Honiara, said that Gollings was in Honiara at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), where he met and coached teams competing in the Solomon Ports National 7s Rugby Championship.
His visit is aimed at building stronger rugby links between Solomon Islands and the UK, with a particular focus on developing young players in rugby sevens.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Paul Turner, hosted Gollings at his residence on Thursday to discuss opportunities for expanding rugby cooperation between the two countries.
One of the key areas discussed was creating opportunities for Solomon Islands players to travel to Melrose in Scotland for further exposure and development.
Melrose is recognised as the birthplace of rugby sevens, with the sport originating there about 140 years ago before growing into a global game.
High Commissioner Turner said Rugby Sevens was well suited to Solomon Islands because it is relatively easy to organise and accessible to a wide range of players.
He also expressed hope that the sport could develop strongly in Solomon Islands, similar to its growth and popularity in Fiji.
Gollings brings extensive international experience to the partnership.
He coached Fiji’s national rugby sevens team when they won the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2022.
As a player, he represented England in both 15-a-side rugby and rugby sevens and became England’s leading points scorer in international sevens, accumulating more than 2,600 points during his international and club career.
He retired from playing in 2011.
His visit to Solomon Islands provides an opportunity to share his experience with local players and coaches while exploring longer-term pathways for the development of rugby sevens in the country.
[Photo: Practise session for H.E Paul Turner with coach Ben Gollings.High Commissioner, Turner hosted Gollings at his Residence on Thursday last week. Photo credit: BHC.]
Jennifer Mark of Solomon Islands is among the participants in the 2026/27 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme, held in Fiji from 13 to 18 September, Tennis Australia said.
Canoe Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026 launches with a record 43 teams competing across three divisions. The& Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026& officially underway after it’s official launch by the& City Dart Association (HCDA)& Sunday night at the Pacific Crown Hotel. Adding sparkle to the season,& Breweries Limited& as platinum sponsor, proudly securing [...]
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Malaita side holds nerve to edge New Georgia 22–17
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
MALAITA SUBI have reclaimed the senior women’s National Rugby 7s championship after surviving a thrilling 22–17 grand-final battle against New Georgia at Town Ground Rugby Stadium on Friday.
The final was locked at 17–17 before Subi produced the crucial score in the closing stages to regain the lead and hold on for the championship.
Subi captain Madlyn Maefunu credited the team’s unity, communication and determination for getting them through the tightly contested final.
“It was a bit tough for us with tackling and defence. So, we focused on one mindset: to never give up and keep pushing the ball forward,” Maefunu said.
She said the team’s performance was built around strong communication and an ability to move the ball effectively.
“It was our team ethics today. We kept passing the ball end-to-end smoothly without getting caught or hit. We communicated and stayed united with one mind,” she said.
The captain said the players, coach, support crew and Malaita supporters all played an important role in the championship campaign.
“Everyone—our players, coach, support crew, and all our Malaita supporters—tried their best,” Maefunu said.
The victory was particularly significant for Subi as it marked their second senior women’s championship title.
“Being champions means a lot to our team and our players. This is our second time taking the championship title,” Maefunu said.
She also thanked the supporters and families who turned out to cheer the side during the tournament.
The senior women’s final was among the closely contested matches that highlighted three days of rugby 7s action, with supporters turning up in numbers as the competition progressed towards its semi-finals and grand finals.
[Photo Caption: Malaita Subi and New Georgia players battle for possession during their tightly contested Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s senior women’s grand final at Rove Rugby Stadium on Friday. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON PORTS has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rugby development in Solomon Islands following three days of National Rugby 7s competition at Town Ground Rugby Stadium.
Speaking at the tournament’s prize presentation, a Solomon Ports representative said the company was proud to remain the major sponsor of the event and viewed its partnership with the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation as part of its wider community contribution.
“Solomon Ports is very proud to be the major sponsor for this event,” the representative said.
“As one of the largest state-owned enterprises in the Solomon Islands, we are happy to support SIRUF in the development of rugby as one of the main sports in the country.”
The representative said Solomon Ports had supported rugby for a long time and looked forward to continuing the partnership.
He also thanked the teams, players and supporters whose participation and presence contributed to the tournament’s atmosphere.
“You have made this tournament a success, very enjoyable, and the support was really good,” he said.
The sponsor also acknowledged overseas players and guests who accepted invitations to participate and share their experience with local players.
The representative said Solomon Ports’ support formed part of its corporate social responsibility focus on youth development, community engagement and the growth of sport in Solomon Islands.
SIRUF vice-president of development Moses Tepai also thanked the tournament’s sponsors, officials, volunteers, coaches, trainers, referees, players and supporters during the closing programme.
“It’s been three long, hard days,” Tepai said, while describing the tournament as another successful event but noting there was still room for improvement.
He urged sponsors to continue supporting rugby and said the tournament also served an important national-team purpose.
According to Tepai, the women’s competition was used to help identify players for the Solomon Islands side that will travel to New Zealand next month for the Oceania Sevens, with the names expected to be announced next week.
The three-day competition brought together school and senior teams in a combined National 7s championship, concluding with prize presentations for the participating categories.
Former England Rugby international, Ben Gollings, was in Honiara last week, as a guest of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation.
He was meeting and coaching teams involved in the Solomon Ports National Sevens Rugby Championship.
Gollings hopes it’s the start of a strengthened partnership between the UK and Solomon Islands on Rugby Union.
British High Commissioner, Paul Turner hosted Gollings at his Residence on Thursday where they discussed plans for increasing Rugby links between Solomon Islands and the UK.
Gollings was focused on building up youth Rugby Sevens in the country and was keen to look for opportunities to send Solomon Islands players to Melrose in Scotland.
Melrose is the home of Rugby Sevens, founded 140 years ago, and from where it has grown to become a global sport.
High Commissioner Turner said Rugby Sevens was well suited for Solomons given the ease with which the game can be organised and its accessibility. The High Commissioner said he hoped Sevens would take off the same way it has in Fiji.
Gollings was the national coach for the Fiji Rugby Sevens Team when they won the World Cup in 2022.
As a player, Gollings played both Rugby Union 15s and Rugby Sevens. He was England’s top scorer in Rugby Sevens, scoring over 2,600 points, in a distinguished international and club career. He retired in 2011.
ENDS//
– BHC Honiara
The post Good play! – UK partners with Solomons on Rugby 7s first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Solomon Islands bow out after 2-0 loss to Samoa
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands ended their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 campaign without a win after going down 2-0 to Samoa at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday.
The home side, playing their final match of the tournament, struggled to find the back of the net as Samoa scored once in each half to secure fifth place and end their own campaign on a winning note.
According to OFC Media’s post-match report, Samoa captain Taimane Devoux was instrumental in the victory, setting up the opening goal before scoring the second herself.
Solomon Islands stayed in the contest during the opening stages, but Samoa eventually found the breakthrough in the 34th minute.
Devoux created the opening with a cutback into the box for Brooklyn Leaupepe-Nickel, who finished from close range into the top-right corner to give Samoa a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
The Solomon Islands side needed a response after the break, but instead found themselves further behind in the 57th minute.
A delivery into the box was not cleared and Devoux pounced on the loose ball, sending a half-volley into the top-left corner to double Samoa’s lead.
Solomon Islands continued to search for a way back into the match but were unable to convert their opportunities.
Substitute Fred Toro Mau came closest to getting the hosts on the scoresheet in the final 10 minutes, forcing Samoa goalkeeper Susahna Peacock into a close-range save.
The late effort proved to be one of the few clear openings for Solomon Islands as Samoa held on to claim the 2-0 victory.
For the Solomon Islands U-16 women’s team, the defeat brought their home tournament to an end without a victory from four matches.
Samoa, meanwhile, finished fifth and recorded their second successive win over Solomon Islands at this level, having defeated the hosts 5-0 in last year’s semi-final.
Despite the result, the tournament provided another important international experience for the young Solomon Islands players, who now turn their attention to future competitions at age-group level.
The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship also served as the pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2027, with Oceania’s qualifying places determined through the tournament.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Twenty young students from Charles Dausabea Primary School are gradually overcoming their fear of the water as they take part in an eight-week Learn to Swim programme at the National Aquatic Centre.
The students are attending weekly swimming sessions every Wednesday and are now into their second week of training after starting the programme last week.
The National Sports Council (NSC), through its National Aquatic Centre, said the programme is designed to help children develop water confidence, fundamental swimming abilities and greater awareness of water safety.
For some of the Dausabea students, however, simply getting into the pool was initially a challenge.
Dausabea Primary School Deputy Headmistress Mirriam Daoga Panda said many of the participating students had little or no swimming experience before joining the programme and were initially frightened of entering the pool.
With encouragement from the NSC swimming trainers, the students are now beginning to feel more comfortable in the water.
“The children joining the programme are very happy, because most of them do not know how to swim,” said Panda.
The 20 students were selected from different year levels, with most coming from Grades One and Two, while two students are from Grades Four and Five.
Panda said the programme is providing the children with an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that extend beyond their normal classroom learning.
“Children do not only go to school to learn the curriculum, but also to help them develop important life skills, and swimming is one of those important skills,” she said.
The sessions cover basic areas such as breathing, floating and kicking, while gradually introducing stroke development, basic survival skills and safe behaviour around water.
For the young participants, the programme represents more than simply learning to swim.
It is also helping them to overcome an early fear of the water while developing confidence that could prove valuable both in and outside the pool.
Panda thanked the NSC and staff at the National Aquatic Centre for providing the opportunity and said she hopes more schools will take advantage of similar programmes.
She also believes the initiative could eventually encourage some children to take a greater interest in swimming as a sport.
The Learn to Swim initiative is being delivered as a pilot programme at the National Aquatic Centre, with Dausabea becoming the second school to participate.
The eight-week programme forms part of the NSC’s efforts to give children access to structured swimming activities while developing water confidence and essential safety skills from an early age.
Photo credit: NSC
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作者:理查德·梅纳诺波
来自查尔斯·道萨比亚小学的二十名年轻学生正在逐渐克服对水的恐惧,参加为期八周的游泳学习项目,地点在国家水上中心。
学生们每周三参加游泳课程,目前已进入第二周的训练,项目上周刚开始。
国家体育委员会(NSC)通过其国家水上中心表示,该项目旨在帮助儿童培养水中自信、基本游泳能力以及对水安全的更高意识。
然而,对于一些道萨比亚的学生来说,最初进入泳池本身就是一个挑战。
道萨比亚小学副校长米里亚姆·道加·潘达表示,许多参与的学生在加入该项目之前几乎没有游泳经验,最初对进入泳池感到害怕。
在NSC游泳教练的鼓励下,学生们现在开始在水中感到更加舒适。
潘达说:“参加该项目的孩子们非常开心,因为他们中的大多数不会游泳。”
这20名学生来自不同年级,大多数来自 Year 1和 Year 2,另外两名学生来自 Year 4和 Year 5。
潘达表示,该项目为孩子们提供了获取超出正常课堂学习的知识和技能的机会。
“孩子们上学不仅是为了学习课程,还为了帮助他们发展重要的生活技能,而游泳就是其中一项重要技能,”她说。
课程涵盖了基本的呼吸、漂浮和踢腿等内容,同时逐步引入泳姿发展、基本生存技能以及水边安全行为。
对于这些年轻参与者来说,该项目不仅仅是学习游泳。
它还帮助他们克服对水的早期恐惧,同时培养出在泳池内外都可能有价值的自信心。
潘达感谢NSC和国家水上中心的工作人员提供这个机会,并表示希望更多学校能利用类似的项目。
她还相信,该倡议最终可能会鼓励一些孩子对游泳这项运动产生更大的兴趣。
游泳学习倡议作为国家水上中心的试点项目进行,道萨比亚成为第二所参与的学校。
为期八周的项目是NSC努力让儿童接触结构化游泳活动的一部分,同时从小培养水中自信和基本安全技能。
照片来源:NSC
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