The Tongatapu Secondary Safeguarding Netball Competition 2025 officially launched on Friday, June 6, with Hon Fangaake Ma’afu opening the first game on the new courts at Tonga High School.
The four new courts, officially handed over earlier this year as part of Tonga’s China‑funded sports complex, now host the Tongatapu Secondary Safeguarding Netball Competition 2025.
On Friday, 58 teams from 13 high schools and colleges began competing, with matches set every Friday afternoon over the next three months.
The competition is a collaboration between the Tonga School Principal’s Sports Committee and Tonga Netball. CEO Salote Sisifa said: “We wish all Schools and Teams a safe & successful Tournament.”
Matches will be held each Friday afternoon over the next three months, with teams battling it out on the new courts.
The event also reflects the island’s growing prominence in international netball, particularly following inspiring performances by the Tonga Tala, which is important in nurturing future female talent.
The Hon. ‘Uhila moe Langi Fasi (Education Minister) and Hon. Kapeli Lanumata (Economic and Trade) attended alongside parents, teachers, team management and players.
The National Sports Complex, funded by China to the tune of US $25–60 million, includes indoor stadiums, rugby, tennis and netball courts, and an aquatics centre.
The complex’s construction, launched by PM Eke and China’s Ambassador Liu Weimin in March, is seen as part of broader diplomatic and sporting ambitions.
