Rugby union is the national sport in Tonga. Sumo has a following, while football, judo, surfing, volleyball, and cricket have gained popularity in recent years. Rugby league and Australian football are also played.
Tonga competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics, that celebrated in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. Tonga was represented by the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee, and was one of 117 nations that won no medals at the Games. Tonga was represented by three athletes competing in two sports–Aisea Tohi and Ana Po'uhila in track and field events, and Maamaloa Lolohea in weightlifting. The delegation's appearance at the Olympics marked its seventh consecutive appearance at the Olympics since its debut at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The flag bearer for Tonga in Beijing was field athlete Ana Po'uhila.
Viliami Sikalamu "Sika" Manu is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a second-row forward for Tonga and New Zealand at international level, being a member of the World Cup winning Kiwi team who beat Australia in the 2008 World Cup Final.
A cricket tournament at the Pacific Games, previously the South Pacific Games, was introduced in 1979 and was played intermittently at games in the 1980s and 1990s, depending on the facilities of the host nation. Since 2003, cricket has featured at every Pacific Games. Detailed records of the tournaments prior to 2003 have not been kept and beyond knowing what teams won the gold and silver medals at each Games, little is known with certainty of the first three tournaments.
The 2019 Pacific Games was the sixteenth edition of the Pacific Games. The Games were held in Apia, Samoa, returning there for the first time since 2007. It was the third time overall that the Pacific Games were held in Samoa.
Mahe Malafu is a Tongan footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Tongan club Veitongo and the Tonga national team.
Tevita Vakatapu is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender for Tongan club Veitongo and the Tonga national team.
Petueli Tokotaha is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender for Tongan club Haʻamoko United Youth and the Tonga national team.
Vai Lutu is a Tongan footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tongan club Lotohaʻapai United and the Tonga national team.
Laulea Taufa is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for Tongan club Navutoka and the Tonga national team.
Tevita Tukimaka is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender or forward for Tongan club Haʻamoko United Youth and the Tonga national team.
Adrian Mara, sometimes Rickson is used as a last name, is a Solomon Islands footballer who plays as a forward for Kossa in the Telekom S-League and the Solomon Islands national football team.
Sione Tuifangaloka is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender for Tongan club Veitongo and the Tonga national team.
Semisi Otukolo, sometimes written Semesi is a Tongan footballer who plays as a goalkeeper or defender for Tongan club Haʻamoko United Youth and the Tonga national team.
Shannon Michael Frizell is a Tongan-born New Zealand rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. His position of choice is flanker.
Desmond Tutu is a Solomon Islands footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Henderson Eels in the Telekom S-League and the Solomon Islands national football team.
Tuia Falepapalangi is a Tongan footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tongan club Lotohaʻapai United and the Tonga national team.
Ofaloto Kite, or more simply Ofa is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender for Tongan club Veitongo and the Tonga national team.
Sitaleki Fisi, is a Tongan footballer who plays as a defender for Tongan club Lotoha'apai United and the Tonga national team.
Pita Huni is a Tongan footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tongan club Lotoha'apai United and the Tonga national team.
