Commonwealth focus drives Sāmoa’s push for Polynesian Games glory

Sāmoa Athletics director Ah Chong Sam Chong has made the goal clear: win the 2026 Polynesian Track and Field Championships in Auckland.

Speaking to Pacific Huddle co-host Tuilagi William Leolahi, Chong says the tournament carries special meaning for athletes and supporters alike.

New Zealand acts as a “second home” for many Sāmoans. “We need to win these games,” Chong says. “New Zealand is our second home and a lot of our Sāmoan families are in Auckland. That’s what we dream of.”

The championships are part of a wider plan to prepare athletes for both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July and the next Polynesian Games.

“The purpose of this is to try put together the team for the Commonwealth Games coming up in Glasgow, so that’s why we need to bring our local athletes and combine them with our overseas athletes.”

Selectors will use the event to assess athletes competing side by side, ensuring the right talent is chosen for international competitions.

Team Sāmoa. Photo/Facebook

“It’s a good event for our local athletes and our overseas athletes, so no one can be complaining about who’s going to go and who’s going to stay back.

“It’s easy for all of us and Athletics Sāmoa board members and our executives so we can see what sort of potential we have so we can send the right athlete and right people to get there.”

Among the athletes set to compete is World champion bronze medallist discus thrower Alex Rose, who was the first Samoan to medal at the World Championships in Tokyo last September.

Listen to Sam Chong Ah Chong's full interview below

Chong believes Rose’s presence will inspire the next generation. “He’s probably an inspiration from the achievements he had last year,” Chong said. “I think it’s good for all of us, even the athletes as well.

“At least they’re all in the same level and at least Alex can come and join our local athletes and also our New Zealand-based and Australian-based [athletes].”

Chong says the championships are about more than medals. They are a chance to “spark up the young ones” and show the pathway to international success.

The Polynesian games will run from 5-8 March at Trusts Arena. Athletes who perform well may progress to the Australian championships in April, followed by Darwin in May - the last chance for Commonwealth Games qualifications.

The campaign also helps bridge the resource gap across Oceania, with behind-the-scenes support from coaches such as James Mortimer, who trains New Zealand's fastest woman, Zoe Hobbs.

Chong says they are always in contact “with our New Zealand and Australian side”. He urged fans to rally behind the athletes as preparations intensify. “Please support our athletes, especially our young ones coming up… we need your support and also just cheer for our team next month in Auckland as well.”