Oceania Cup Launches in Nuku‘alofa with Masters Stars and the Opening Ceremony

The 2025 Oceania Cup officially begins today in the Kingdom of Tonga, launching four days of competition celebrating Pacific track and field. From Masters athletes to emerging stars and seasoned national champions, all will be fighting for points and medals in Tonga.

Day 1 begins with a showcase of experience, as the Masters Hammer Throw and Masters Circular Hurdles begin the four day program.

The Masters events will feature competitors aged 60 and over, proving age is merely a number when it comes to athletics. Among the standout stories is New Zealand’s Jim Blair, who at 94 years young steps into the hammer circle as the oldest athlete in the field.

On the track, Masters athletes will contest the circular hurdles across the 300m and 400m distances.

This afternoon, the spotlight turns to a full Polynesian affair in the Men’s Invitational Shot Put. Local heroes Penisimani Ta’e’iloa and Halafihi Fisi’ihoi lead the charge for Tonga, as they go head-to-head with strong opposition from Samoa, French Polynesia, and Wallis & Futuna.

The Women’s Shot Put Invitational also promises big throws and big moments, with four Tongan athletes lining up against Australia’s Kadance Naylor, and French Polynesia’s Hailey Gilroy and Meherai Fong.

Fans in the stadium will be treated to the first official welcome of the event during the Opening Ceremony at 1:45pm local time, celebrating the athletes and federations competing.

Catch Day 1 Live
📺 Livestream
Oceania Athletics YouTube Channel
Tonga Broadcasting Service Facebook (Secondary Stream)

📊 Results & Competition Schedule
https://athleticsoceania.anet.live/meets/58216

The Oceania Cup will run from 29 October – 1 November, featuring teams representing regions of the Pacific: Tonga (Host), Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Regional Australia, and Hawaii. Alongside the Senior competition , Masters, Para, and Junior Invitational divisions ensure opportunities for athletes of all ages and all abilities.

—ENDS—