Nearly 100 police officers have been deployed to Teufaiva Stadium as the 98th Inter-Collegiate Sports Competition begins today in Nuku’alofa.
Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea said that officers are stationed to minimize disruptions such as school brawls during the event.
The deployment includes specialized units: an intelligence team, crowd control team, traffic control team, and an investigation team. Each unit aims to ensure a safe and orderly event, preventing incidents and prohibiting drugs within the sporting grounds.
Teams from the outer islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua have traveled to Tongatapu to participate in the four-day competition, which concludes on Friday, April 11.
Teufaiva Stadium, with a capacity of 10,000, has been the traditional venue for Tonga’s secondary school sports events.
This proactive policing approach reflects lessons from past events. In 2014, Tonga Police increased their presence at secondary school rugby matches to curb interschool violence.
Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators throughout the competition.
