Friday Sports Edition: High Drama As 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Resumes In Oceania, Plus Other Top Stories

PNG Swimming Great Ryan Pini Takes On New IOC Role

Papua New Guinea swimming legend Ryan Pini has been appointed as an Athletes’ Commission member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Olympic gold medalist will serve an eight-year term on the commission, representing the voice of athletes at the highest level of the Olympic movement.

Pini said he was honored to be given the opportunity to serve on the IOC Athletes’ Commission and looks forward to working with other members to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes around the world.

Lightning Strikes On Day One Of AFL Pacific Cup

Lightning strikes forced the abandonment of the opening day of the AFL Pacific Cup in Nadi, Fiji, on Thursday.

The match between the Fiji Warriors and the Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes was called off after just 15 minutes of play due to a thunderstorm.

The tournament will resume on Friday with the second match between the Fiji Warriors and the Vanuatu Bulldogs.

Who Is Really Running Fiji Rugby?

The Fiji Rugby Union is in turmoil after the resignation of chief executive officer John O’Connor.

O’Connor quit his post on Wednesday, citing a lack of support from the FRU board.

His resignation has raised questions about the future of Fiji rugby, with some critics claiming that the sport is being run by a small group of powerful individuals.