'We're still in disbelief': Tongan archers return home after record-breaking run in Palau

RNZ News

2 days ago

Hans Arne Jensen told RNZ Pacific the entire archery squad is still in "disbelief" over what they achieved at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Photo:
Facebook / onga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee
Tonga's archery team headed home on Saturday, still stunned by their record-breaking run in Palau at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.
After winning 11 medals across recurve and compound events, team member Hans Arne Jensen, who claimed gold in both the Men's Individual Matchplay and Double 720 Ranking round, said the entire squad is still in "disbelief" over what they achieved.
"We're still in disbelief," Jensen, who is a long-time leader in the sport, told RNZ Pacific in Koror.
"It's hard to believe we're already leaving…it's kind of, you know…we're still pinching ourselves.
"We've had a couple golds at Oceania tournaments and a few silvers and bronzes at Pacific Games, but we've never had a gold, and we've definitely never made it into the double digits of medaling."
He also took silver in the Mixed Recurve Matchplay alongside teammate Halamehi Tangulu.
In the compound division, Luisa Pongi earned two silvers, Anna Fifita took two bronzes, and Victory Pekipaki claimed two silvers. Esela Mounga added two more bronze medals.
Hans Arne Jensen with Team Tonga archers at the Palau Mini Games.
Photo:
Facebook / onga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee
While the journey has been one of great success, preparation wasn't smooth sailing.
There was a lot of uncertainty around travel, and the limited training camps leading up to the Mini Games had tested the team.
"Just before we got here, we were a little bit unsure exactly how we were going to go, and how many of us were going to get here," Jensen said.
"But in the end, everything happens for a reason. These events are always a little crazy.
Hans Arne Jensen celebrates his gold medal win in the Men's singles Recurve match play.
Photo:
Facebook / onga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee
"But, trials and tribulations are what builds an athlete up. You need that kind of pushback...that story, that lead-up, that's what gives it meaning."
Jensen said it will be bittersweet leaving while the Mini Games is still underway, especially after enjoying the energy and spirit of the event.
"For many sports at the Pacific Games, you find people who are exactly like you, and they end up looking after you, and you end up becoming the guy that looks after them. It's all very 'family'," Jensen said.
He said the first night in the athlete's dining hall was a stand-out, filled with singing, dancing, and laughter.
"We all have our own roots, but it's one big family," he said.
"And I think that's the beautiful thing about the Pacific. We are one people in that sense, and connected. Yeah, there's a lot of water between us, but there's not much difference."