Papua New Guinea (PNG) got off to a strong start at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, securing two silver medals on the opening day of the competition.
The first medal came in the Va’a (outrigger canoeing) V12 Mixed 500m sprint final. Team PNG crossed the finish line in 2 minutes and 0.67 seconds, earning second place behind Tahiti, who claimed gold with a time of 1:58.16. Fiji took bronze with a time of 2:02.61.
This podium finish marks a promising beginning for PNG’s Va’a team as they continue competing throughout the week.
Later in the day, PNG’s second silver came from the swimming pool, courtesy of Jhnayali Tokome-Garap in the women’s 50m backstroke final. After qualifying in the morning heats with a time of 30.43 seconds, Tokome-Garap returned in the evening to clock 29.88 seconds—earning her the silver medal and setting a new national record in both the 17-year-old and women’s open categories.
Elsewhere in the Games, PNG’s men’s volleyball team opened their campaign with a commanding 3–0 win over Nauru.
The women’s softball team also impressed, edging out Northern Marianas 7–6 in a tightly contested match.
Team PNG continues competition across multiple sports on Day Two.