BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jeff Roach, encourages young Solomon Islands hockey players to continue pursuing the sport after joining a development session at the National Hockey Centre in Honiara this week.
According to information shared by HookIn4Health Solomon Islands on its official social media platform on Wednesday, Mr. Roach, accompanied by his daughter and Australian High Commission Second Secretary for Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy, Charlie Harrison-Gehrmann, visited the programme and spent time interacting with young athletes both on and off the field.
The visit saw the Australian delegation join friendly hockey activities with participants, creating what HookIn4Health described as a memorable experience that highlighted sport’s ability to connect communities and inspire young people.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Roach said hockey has been part of his life for decades and hopes the young players will continue to develop the sport in Solomon Islands.
“It is an honour to visit HookIn4Health here in Honiara and see so many talented young hockey players. Hockey has been my sport for more than 20 years, and I hope these young players will one day become a strong national hockey team for Solomon Islands,” he said.
HookIn4Health said it was privileged to host the Australian High Commissioner, noting that his passion for hockey and willingness to join the young athletes on the pitch made the visit especially meaningful.
The organisation also acknowledged the delegation’s thoughtful gesture of providing bottled water to participants, describing it as another sign of their support and encouragement for the programme.
“Moments like these remind us that sport has the power to bring people together, build meaningful connections and inspire our young people to dream big,” the organisation said.
HookIn4Health thanked the Australian High Commission for taking time to engage with the programme and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen partnerships that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles and stronger communities through hockey.
HookIn4Health Solomon Islands is a community-based hockey development programme that uses sport as a platform to promote healthy living, youth empowerment and social inclusion.
Working alongside the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation and development partners, the programme continues to provide opportunities for young people to learn hockey while developing life skills and building stronger community connections through sport.
Photo credit: HookIn4Health Solomon Islands
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Western Cup moved to September
The Western Cup football tournament has been postponed until September after officials determined the John F. Kennedy soccer field in Gizo requires more time to complete renovations and become safe for competition.
Organisers say the delay will help protect the upgraded playing surface while giving participating teams additional time to prepare.
For the first time, a Solomon Islands para archery coach is representing the country at a regional training programme in Tonga aimed at strengthening coaching skills and technical knowledge in the sport.
The week-long programme, organised by World Archery and implemented by World Archery Oceania, has brought together coaches from across the Pacific to build capacity and support the growth of para archery throughout the region.
The training marks an important milestone for Sol...
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Lea’i and Gau inspire Solomon Islands to first victory at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after recovering from an early setback
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands kept their hopes alive at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over fellow Melanesian rival Vanuatu in Port Moresby yesterday.
According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the win handed the Solomon Islands their first three points in Group A after bouncing back from a heavy opening-round defeat to New Zealand, while Vanuatu remained without a win after suffering their second straight loss.
Needing a positive response after a 5-1 defeat to New Zealand, the young Solomon Islands side showed resilience to overturn a one-goal deficit and finish the first half in front.
The Solomon Islands had an early opportunity to seize control when striker George Lea’i earned a penalty in the 13th minute after being brought down inside the box following a well-timed through pass from Walcott Kona. However, Lea’i’s spot kick sailed over the crossbar, allowing Vanuatu to escape.
Vanuatu capitalised on that missed chance in the 30th minute when captain Russle Allaleo took advantage of a defensive lapse to calmly slot home the opening goal.
The lead proved short-lived as Solomon Islands responded just five minutes later through Greggy Gau, whose powerful long-range strike flew beyond the Vanuatu goalkeeper to restore parity.
The momentum quickly shifted in Solomon Islands’ favour, and Lea’i redeemed himself before halftime. Winning possession high up the field, the forward unleashed a speculative shot from distance that caught goalkeeper Ezekiel Tasso off guard and nestled into the back of the net to complete the comeback.
The 2-1 advantage remained intact for the remainder of the match as Solomon Islands secured a valuable victory in the tightly contested Melanesian encounter.
OFC noted that the determined fightback highlighted the character of the Solomon Islands side after their disappointing opening result.
The post-match report stated, “The win hands Solomon Islands their first three points of the tournament, while Vanuatu remain in search of their first victory”.
The result lifts Solomon Islands back into contention in Group A as the race for the knockout stages continues.
The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 is being hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, featuring eight Oceania nations.
The tournament also serves as the region’s qualification event for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2027, with three qualification spots on offer. Solomon Islands entered this year’s championship seeking a first regional title, having previously finished runners-up twice and qualified once for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Team Solomon athlete Stephen Rahuasi has arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to begin a one-week pre-departure training camp as part of his final preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Rahuasi will use the camp to fine-tune his preparation ahead of the Games and will compete in the 800m event at the University of Queensland Winter Series Meet this Saturday, 18 July.
Following the competition, Rahuasi will join the rest of Team Solomon as they depart for Scotland on Thursday, 23 July, ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Solomon Islands athlete will represent the country in athletics as part of the 13-member Team Solomon squad heading to Glasgow.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July to 2 August, with Team Solomon sending a 13-member contingent to compete across several sporting codes.
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Phoenix 1 continued to stamp their authority in the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Super Division after recording a convincing 81-17 victory over Owaraha 1 in the Round Five competition.
According to results released by the Honiara Netball Association, Phoenix 1 produced the biggest winning margin of the round, while Sunrise 1 also impressed with a comfortable 65-39 win over Sosa.
SISCC 1 maintained their winning form after defeating Police 1 by 49-29, while Southerns 1 overcame Isa Purple 41-31. Suvania 1 rounded off the Super Division results with a 52-31 victory against G/Berets 2.
In the A Division, Hale 1 edged Western Magic 31-24, SISCC 2 defeated SEWA 1 by 25-15, and West Rennell claimed a 32-17 win over Lauru 1.
Suvania 2 also recorded a 30-15 victory over Green Berets 1, while Manuiki defeated Lakers 28-23. The only drawn match came between Marist TESA 1 and Phoenix 2, with both sides finishing level at 26-26.
The B and C Divisions also produced several tightly contested matches, including a 16-16 draw between Manawai and SEWA 2, while Southerns 2 edged Doves 14-13 in one of the closest fixtures of the round.
Round Five again showcased the competitiveness of the HNA competition, with teams across all four divisions continuing their push for valuable points as the season gathers momentum.
Photo credit: HNA File photo
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Solomon Islands defeat Vanuatu 2-1 to secure their first win and three points at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship Both sides entered the match desperate to bounce back from opening-round defeats, with Vanuatu looking to recover from a 4-1 loss to Tahiti and Solomon Islands aiming to respond after falling 5-1 to New Zealand. The [...]
The post Solomon Islands came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Vanuatu in a fiercely contested Melanesian clash in Group A at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
NAHA FC remain on top of the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) standings as the race for first-round honours heads into its final matches this week.
According to an update shared by the Solrais Women’s Premier League on its official social media platform, Round One was set to conclude on Wednesday following another exciting weekend of football that produced emphatic wins, a dramatic draw, a postponed fixture and a walkover result.
League leaders Naha FC maintained their position at the summit on 21 points after being awarded a 3-0 victory when Ghupo Wantoks FC failed to show up for their scheduled 3pm fixture.
Second-placed Frigates United FC remain within striking distance on 19 points after playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw against fourth-placed Haura FC, while Henderson Eels FC sit third on 16 points with a game in hand after their scheduled match against RSIPF Royals FC was postponed following a death in the Henderson Eels team family.
“The highly anticipated match featuring Henderson Eels FC and RSIPF Royals FC was postponed due to a death in the Henderson Eels team family,” the SWPL stated.
West Honiara FC boosted their campaign with a convincing 6-0 victory over Marist FC, while Geniagu United FC edged Koloale FC 1-0 in another closely contested encounter.
The latest standings after Matchweek Eight show Naha FC leading with 21 points from eight matches, followed by Frigates United on 19 points. Henderson Eels and Haura FC are level on 16 points, although the Eels have played one match fewer than the other leading sides.
Geniagu United occupy fifth place with 13 points, ahead of RSIPF Royals on 11 points from seven matches. Koloale FC and West Honiara FC are tied on five points, while Ghupo Wantoks FC have four points and Marist FC remain at the bottom with one point.
SWPL said the remaining Round One fixtures were set to be played on Wednesday at East End Stadium, with Koloale FC taking on Ghupo Wantoks FC at 2pm before Marist FC meets Geniagu United FC at 4pm.
“The outcomes of these matches are critical not only for the teams’ overall performance at the end of Round One but also for their standings as the season unfolds,” the league stated.
The league also confirmed that Round Two will begin this weekend, with several catch-up matches still to be played as teams continue their pursuit of the 2026 SWPL title.
The 2026 Solrais Women’s Premier League features 10 clubs competing in a two-round competition. As the first half of the season draws to a close, the battle at both ends of the table remains alive, with Naha FC holding a narrow advantage over Frigates United, while Henderson Eels still have an opportunity to close the gap with their game in hand.
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Iron Lady Jenly Wini credits supporters after completing Melbourne training camp ahead of her fifth Commonwealth Games appearance
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands weightlifting star Jenly Wini says she is ready to give her best for the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after completing an intensive four-week high-performance training camp in Australia.
The National Sports Council (NSC) confirmed Wini’s readiness during a farewell and appreciation ceremony held at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) on Monday, where officials and corporate partners gathered to recognise those who supported the veteran lifter’s final preparations.
Wini, who will compete in the women’s 53kg division, thanked the organisations and individuals whose support enabled her to undertake the Melbourne training camp, describing their assistance as a major boost to both her physical and mental preparation.
“Your contribution has made a big impact in my preparation to stay focused, physically and mentally prepared.
“The four weeks went so fast, and now I am just days away from my competition day. I believe that I will do my best to represent my country with pride,” she said.
She also acknowledged the continued support provided by SINIS staff throughout her training programme.
Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation Secretary General and national coach Apollos Saeg said the overseas training camp would not have been possible without the backing of the NSC and corporate sponsors.
“Without our sponsors, this trip would not have been possible. Their support and belief in weightlifting helped make this training camp happen for Jenly,” Saeg said.
He also thanks the NSC for its ongoing commitment towards Wini’s Commonwealth Games campaign, saying the organisation’s investment in elite athlete preparation continues to strengthen Solomon Islands’ international sporting ambitions.
The Melbourne training camp was jointly funded by the NSC and six corporate partners — Coral Sea Casino, Coral Sea Resort, Delite Industries Ltd, Quan Chee Motors, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd and Solomon Telekom Company Ltd.
Speaking on behalf of Delite Industries Ltd, Veronica Alondres congratulated Wini on her dedication and achievements, saying her commitment continues to inspire young Solomon Islanders to pursue sporting excellence.
Solomon Telekom Company Ltd Marketing Manager Sean Hiele also reaffirmed the company’s support for national athletes.
“Jenly, we wish you well. You are the true Iron Lady, and we wish you all the best for the Commonwealth Games,” Hiele said.
The NSC said Wini’s professionalism, discipline and commitment have made her one of the country’s leading high-performance athletes and an excellent ambassador for Solomon Islands sport.
Wini recently completed her four-week high-performance training camp in Melbourne under internationally respected weightlifting coach Paul Coffa as part of her final preparations for Glasgow 2026.
She qualified for her fifth Commonwealth Games following strong performances on the regional and international stage and will be Solomon Islands’ only weightlifting representative at the Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Photo credit: NSC Solomon Islands
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Two Solomon Islands archery coaches and a para-athlete have departed for the Kingdom of Tonga to participate in the first regional Para Archery Coaching Course and Training Camp for Oceania member federations.
The Archery Federation of Solomon Islands announced through its official Facebook page that Coach Andrew Lano, Coach Janet Saru and para-athlete Rose Lidia left the country on Tuesday to attend the five-day programme from July 15 to 19.
The federation said the fully funded regional initiative is designed to strengthen the technical skills of para-archers and coaches while supporting the continued development of para-archery across Oceania.
“This fully funded regional program aims to strengthen the technical skills of para-archers and coaches while supporting the continued growth and development of para-archery across Oceania,” the federation said.
According to the federation, the initiative is led by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Sub-Regional Technical Training Group (STTG), with funding support provided to eligible National Paralympic Committees from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The training is organised by World Archery and World Archery Oceania, with specialist facilitators from Archery GB delivering the course.
The federation described the programme as the first Para Archery coaching course organised for Oceania member federations and said it provides an important opportunity for local participants to learn from some of the world’s leading para-archery experts.
“We are excited for our team to learn from some of the world’s leading para-archery specialists and bring home valuable knowledge and skills that will help strengthen para-archery in Solomon Islands,” the federation said.
Also noted is that coach education forms part of the federation’s development and strategic plan to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of archery in Solomon Islands.
The federation also reaffirmed its commitment to build a stronger and more inclusive future for the sport through continued investment in para-archery development.
Para-archery is one of the disciplines contested at the Paralympic Games and provides opportunities for athletes with physical impairments to compete at national and international levels.
The Tonga training camp brings together coaches and athletes from several Pacific nations as Oceania continues to strengthen inclusive sport pathways across the region.
Photo credit: Archery Federation of Solomon Islands
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MESSI & ARGENTINA COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT
ENGLAND, MARCH INTO WORLD CUP GRANDFINAL
Lionel Messi and Argentina have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Grand Final after producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the second semi-final.
The defending champions fought back from a goal down with two late strikes from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to keep their hopes of retaining the World Cup title alive.
England looked on course for a famous victory after breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute, taking a 1-0 lead and holding off the Argentine attack for much of the second half.
However, Argentina showed the resilience that has defined their campaign, drawing level in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernández, who reignited his side's hopes with a crucial equaliser.
With extra time looming, Lautaro Martínez emerged as the hero, scoring in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2) to complete the comeback and send Argentina into another FIFA World Cup final.
The victory means Argentina are now just one match away from making history by winning back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
They will face Spain in the Grand Final on Monday, while England will meet France in the third-place playoff.
For Argentina supporters in Honiara and around the world, this morning's thrilling victory is a moment of overwhelming joy as their dream of seeing La Albiceleste lift the World Cup trophy once again remains alive.
For England fans, however, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to their hopes of reaching the final, with attention now turning to the battle for third place against France.
Photo by ONEFOOTBALL
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HCC dominates final standings with 53 medals as NSC hails week of unity and provincial sporting excellence
Honiara City Council (HCC) finished as the overall champion of the 2026 Solomon Games with 53 medals, including 30 gold, comfortably topping the final standings ahead of Makira-Ulawa and Central Province.
The National Sports Council praised all participating provinces, athletes and officials for a successful Games that showcased emerging sporting talent while promoting provincial pride, unity and the continued development of sport across Solomon Islands.
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https://theislandsun.com.sb/hcc-dominates-final.../
RICHARD MENANOPO
Honiara City Council (HCC) has emerged as the overall champion of the 2026 Solomon Games after finishing comfortably on top of the final medal tally released by the National Sports Council (NSC).
The official medal standings, published by the NSC following the conclusion of the week-long Games, show HCC collecting an impressive 53 medals—30 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze—to finish well ahead of the other six participating provincial teams.
Makira-Ulawa and Central Province finished level on 28 medals each, although Makira-Ulawa claimed second place after winning eight gold medals compared to Central’s seven. Makira-Ulawa also secured 14 silver and 6 bronze medals, while Central recorded 7 silver and 14 bronze.
Malaita placed fourth with 22 medals, made up of 6 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze medals.
Western Province finished with 18 medals overall, including 2 gold, 11 silver and 5 bronze medals, while Guadalcanal collected 17 medals comprising 4 gold, six silver and 7 bronze medals. Renbel rounded out the standings with five medals—1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
In a statement accompanying the final medal tally, the NSC congratulated every province and everyone involved in making the Games a success.
“The final medal standings for the 2026 Solomon Games have been confirmed, marking a week of outstanding competition, determination and provincial pride,” NSC said.
The council also acknowledged the efforts of athletes, coaches, officials and supporters, describing the event as a memorable celebration of sport and unity under the Games theme, “Rise Together”.
“Every medal represents countless hours of training, commitment and sacrifice. Beyond the final standings, the true victory of the Games is the talent discovered, friendships formed and the continued growth of sport across Solomon Islands,” the statement said.
The NSC added that it looks forward to building on the momentum generated by this year’s Games to further strengthen sport development across the country.
The 2026 Solomon Games brought together athletes from Honiara City Council, Makira-Ulawa, Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Western and Renbel to compete across several sporting codes in Honiara.
The Games concluded this week after days of competition that showcased emerging talent while promoting provincial pride and national unity.
Photo credit: NSC Solomon Islands
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CHESS EVERYWHERE
SICF launches nationwide creative challenge to mark International Chess Day and inspire participation across Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation has launched a nationwide online creative challenge to celebrate International Chess Day, encouraging people across the country and Solomon Islanders overseas to showcase unique places where they play chess.
Running from July 15 to 31, the initiative aims to promote chess as a game for everyone while expanding community participation and identifying future talent through the federation's "Chess for Growth" programme.
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https://theislandsun.com.sb/chess-everywhere/
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Three staff members from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have successfully completed the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Level 1 Volleyball Coaching Course, strengthening the university’s capacity to develop volleyball on campus.
In a statement, SINU said the internationally recognised entry-level coaching programme was delivered in partnership with the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF), providing participants with essential knowledge and practical skills needed for coaching and player development.
The university was represented by Fr Ashley Tome and Nilrick Lilivae from the SINU Students Association (SINUSA), together with Campus Life, Welfare and Sport Officer William Tuhaika.
The participants are expected to play key roles in supporting the upcoming SINU Volleyball League while helping to improve the standard of coaching and athlete development across the university.
“The participants expressed their enthusiasm and readiness as they prepare to support the upcoming SINU Volleyball League,” the statement said.
SINU also acknowledged the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation for providing the opportunity, describing the training as an important investment in the university’s sporting programme.
According to the university, strengthening the skills of its sports personnel reflects its commitment to provide students with quality extracurricular opportunities alongside their academic studies.
“The Campus Life, Welfare and Sport team will continue to collaborate with national sports federations to provide similar training opportunities that enhance sports development across the University,” the statement said.
The university said building qualified coaches and sports leaders will contribute to creating a positive sporting environment while providing students with better mentorship and opportunities to develop their talents.
The FIVB Level 1 Volleyball Coaching Course is an internationally recognised introductory coaching qualification designed to equip coaches with fundamental principles of volleyball instruction, player development and safe coaching practices.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation to build coaching capacity and raise the standard of volleyball throughout the country.
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Strong participation and improved commitment mark HNA league’s progress this season
By RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara Netball Association (HNA) 2026 League has reached a significant milestone, with all 52 teams still actively competing through Round Five and no forfeits recorded so far this season.
The achievement marks a major improvement from last year’s competition, when several teams withdrew midway through the season after a series of defeats, according to HNA Technical Games Organising Committee Secretary Ruth Aihunu.
“The competition so far is going well. Everything ran smoothly until last week when we had to postpone Round Four because of bad weather.
“But from Round One up until now, every team has competed very well. Every team wants to win, and the Super Division has been especially competitive,” she said.
Aihunu said HNA has been encouraged not only by the quality of competition but also by the commitment shown by participating clubs.
“Teams attend every match in full numbers. We have not experienced any forfeits this season.
“Last year we had many forfeits. Some teams stopped participating after losing several games and did not return. But this year, up until Round Five, every team has continued to turn up and compete,” she said.
The league features four divisions comprising of 52 teams, with 10 teams in the Super Division, 12 in Division A, 16 in Division B and 14 in Division C.
Aihunu said the Super Division title race is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting contests of the season.
“In the Super Division, Sunrise and Phoenix are currently fighting for first and second positions. Both teams are very competitive,” she said.
She also highlighted Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company (SISCC) as one of the standout teams in Division A.
Among the competition’s early highlights, Aihunu pointed to Sunrise’s tournament-high 82-goal victory, describing it as the highest score recorded in the league so far.
She also praised Division B newcomers Manawai, who remain unbeaten after five rounds.
“Manawai Orange is a new team in the league, but they have performed very well. From Round One until now, they have not lost a game. They have drawn one match and won the rest.
“It has been a very positive start for a new team. Compared to other teams in the division, they have come in and gone straight to the top,” Aihunu said.
Beyond competition results, Aihunu said the HNA League continues to play an important role in developing future representative players.
“During the recent Solomon Games, we selected many young student players from this competition to represent Honiara City,” she said.
Despite the league’s success, Aihunu acknowledged that a shortage of qualified umpires remains HNA’s biggest challenge.
“Our biggest challenge is the shortage of umpires. We have many teams but not enough officials.
“Many of our umpires are also players. Sometimes they have to finish playing before they can officiate another match, and by then they are already tired. This year we are training new umpires, especially in Divisions B and C, to help address the shortage,” she said.
Looking ahead, Aihunu encourages supporters to continue to back their respective teams and calls on officials to arrive early to ensure matches start on time.
“We encourage supporters to continue coming out in numbers. Their support lifts the morale of the players,” she said.
The HNA 2026 League officially got underway on June 13 at the Honiara City Council Multipurpose Outdoor Courts and features four divisions playing across two courts.
Round Five fixtures continue this week before the competition progresses towards the finals.
Photo credit: HNA
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