Five Papua New Guinean swimmers: Joanna Chen, Thomas Chen, Roxanne Kirarock, Josh Tarere, and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap have been selected to represent Team PNG at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) confirmed the selection of the five athletes who will compete at the Games which is scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.

The swimmers selected are all from the Boroko Amateur Swimming Club.

The team was officially announced by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and Team PNG Chef de Mission Elaine Iorove during the Team PNG Reveal Function held in Port Moresby on July 7.

PNGSI said the swimmers earned their places after maintaining strong performances in Target Squad rankings through sanctioned competitions, including the PNG Swimming National Championships in March and the Oceania Swimming Championships in May.

The team will be led by Head Coach Rick Van Der Zant, with Team Manager Carly Pini providing athlete support during the Commonwealth Games campaign.

The swimmers, who are mostly based in Queensland, will join more than 50 Team PNG athletes and officials travelling to Glasgow on July 19 ahead of the Opening Ceremony, thus the swimming competition will begin on July 24 and conclude on July 29, with the athletes set to compete against some of the best swimmers from across the Commonwealth.

PNGSI President Ryan Pini said the selection was a proud moment for the athletes and recognised their years of dedication and commitment to the sport.

“Selection to the Commonwealth Games is an honour that reflects years of discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment.”

He said success was not only measured by medals, but also by athletes’ consistency, passion for improvement and courage to compete against world-class opponents.

Pini congratulated the five swimmers, saying they had earned the opportunity through hard work and determination and would carry the pride of Papua New Guinea on the international stage.

PNGSI also acknowledged the support of the athletes’ families, coaches, clubs and supporters, including the Boroko Amateur Swimming Club and Lae Amateur Swimming Club, for contributing to the swimmers’ development.

“Congratulations to our swimmers — your hard work, determination, and passion have earned you this incredible opportunity.”