PNG claims two silver medals on day one of Pacific Mini Games

PNG Va'a mix team with their silver medals after their race in the V12 500 meters (Image: Team PNG)

Papua New Guinea has secured two silver medals on the opening day of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.

The first medal came in the Va’a competition, with Team PNG finishing second in the V12 Mixed 500m sprint final. The team clocked a time of 2 minutes and 0.67 seconds, just behind gold medalists Tahiti, who crossed the line in 1 minute and 58.16 seconds. Fiji claimed bronze with a time of 2 minutes and 2.61 seconds.

PNG Va’a National Coach Jonathan Kassman praised the result, saying it was a strong start to the team’s campaign.

The second silver came in the evening from the swimming pool, where Jhnayali Tokome-Garap impressed in the women’s 50m backstroke final. After qualifying with a time of 30.43 seconds in the morning heats, she returned to swim 29.88 seconds in the final, earning silver and setting new national records in both the 17-year-old and women’s open categories.

Jhnayali Tokome-Garap won silver in the women's 50m backstroke and also set a new national record, clocking 29.88 and breaking Anna-Liza’s record of 29.98 set in 2008 (Image: Team PNG)

In other events, Team PNG’s men’s volleyball team opened their campaign with a convincing 3–0 straight-sets win over Nauru. PNG Volleyball Federation President Edward Aisi said it was a strong opening performance ahead of their next match against New Caledonia.

The women’s softball team also recorded a win, edging out the Northern Marianas 7–6.

Rosa Maira delivering an impressive pitch in their 7-6 win over Northern Marianas (Image: Team PNG)

Competition continues today with Team PNG in action across Va’a, swimming, softball, and Basketball 3x3.