Tonga cancels their obligations in hosting 2019 Pacific Games

Tonga has cancelled their obligations in hosting the 2019 Pacific Games.

EMTV say the decision was made after they received a World Bank report highlighting the economic difficulties they would face if they continue to host the games.

The Tongan government took the advice from the World Bank report, and pulled out to save their country from making a costly mistake.

Tonga will continue to renovate and maintain their facilities to help athletes prepare for the games.

Their main concern was about how to generate income from the facilities after the 2019 Games.

Tonga is required to have an annual budget of 12 percent of the total cost of the expenses used to fund the construction and maintenance of the facilities.

The Tongan Government have sent a letter to the Pacific Games Council President, Vidya Lakhan, saying Tonga was going to withdraw from hosting the Pacific Games in 2019.

Fijivillage had earlier received information that Fiji was thinking of making a bid to host the Pacific Games.

We have asked the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama however he is yet to respond.

Sports Minister, Laisenia Tuitubou could not be reached for a comment.