Small islands, but big dreams: Pacific nations set to shine in Glasgow

When the Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow, Scotland, early on Friday (New Zealand time), the Pacific's 11 competing nations will arrive with small teams but big ambitions.

For many of these athletes, the Games are about more than medals. They are another chance to show that some of the world's smallest countries continue to produce world-class athletes on one of sport's biggest stages.

No other sport tells that story better than weightlifting.

Ten of the 11 Pacific nations will compete in the sport, underlining its place as the region's strongest pathway to Commonwealth success.

Kiribati returns to Glasgow carrying more memories of one of the Pacific’s greatest sporting moments.

It was there in 2014 that David Katoatau won the country’s first and only Commonwealth Games medal, lifting gold in the men’s 105kg division.

More than a decade later, the Katoatau name remains part of Kiribati’s Commonwealth story, with his brother Ruben preparing for his third Games.

For Nauru, weightlifting has become part of the nation’s sporting identity. Every one of its 31 medals, including 10 gold, 11 silver and eight bronze, has come in the sport.

That success has made the tiny island one of the most successful weightlifting nations in Commonwealth history.

Team Nauru athletes during the team's uniform presentation ceremony ahead of the Games. Photo/Facebook

Sāmoa will also look to its lifters to lead the medal charge after strong performances at recent Oceania competitions.

Sāmoa’s largest group of athletes in Glasgow comes from weightlifting, including star competitors Seine Stowers and John Tafi.

While weightlifting has long been the Pacific’s medal powerhouse, lawn bowls continues to deliver success for some of the Pacific’s smallest nations.

The Cook Islands will compete across four sports, including athletics, swimming, weightlifting and lawn bowls.

Kiribati flag bearer Teokotai Jim will make history at her fifth Commonwealth Games, joining the nation’s lawn bowls team.

The Cook Islands’ only Commonwealth medal came in bowls when Taiki Paniani and Aidan Zittersteijn won bronze in the men’s pairs at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.

Norfolk Island, home to just over 2000 people, will again rely on lawn bowls. Its six-athlete team will chase the nation’s first Commonwealth medal since winning two bronzes on the greens.

Niue, and Tonga will also send lawn bowls teams as competition begins in Glasgow on Thursday 23 July (local time.)

The Pacific story in Glasgow is not just about traditional strengths.

Vanuatu will become the only Pacific nation competing in para-powerlifting, continuing the region’s growing presence in para sport.

Tonga will also make history when the Tala take the court for their first Commonwealth Games netball tournament. It also makes Tonga the only Pacific island nation represented in the competition.

Athlete numbers for each Pacific Island nation competing at the Commonwealth Games. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

Across the Games, the Pacific's athletes will once again carry more than their national colours. They will represent communities where sport is a source of pride, identity and opportunity.

Whether on the weightlifting platform, the bowling green or the netball court, Glasgow offers another chance for the region's athletes to show that some of the Commonwealth's biggest sporting stories continue to come from its smallest nations.

For more information on the 2026 Commonwealth Games, click here.