The National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today celebrated a major milestone for sport in Solomon Islands with the official recognition of the National Tennis Centre by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as a White Level Facility.
The ceremony, held at the National Tennis Centre, brought together the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Father Manasseh Maelanga, Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Solomon Islands, representatives of the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the NSC Board, and the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF), along with coaches, players, parents, and members of the media.
In his keynote address, Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Father Manasseh Maelanga described the recognition as a proud national achievement and an important legacy of the 2023 Pacific Games. He said the ITF classification confirms the National Tennis Centre as a world-class facility independently assessed by the international governing body.
“This is not a badge we have awarded ourselves. It is an independent assessment by the International Tennis Federation, placing our National Tennis Centre alongside training facilities recognised across the world,” said Maelanga.
The Minister acknowledged the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy, and CCECC for their contribution to the construction of the facility, as well as the National Sports Council for its role in maintaining the facility to international standards.
He said the recognition brings practical benefits, including improved access to ITF funding and technical support, as well as stronger pathways for coach and athlete development.
“This facility provides a platform for our players, coaches, and officials to train and compete at world-class standards. It strengthens our pathway from grassroots to elite sport,” said the Minister.
He added that Solomon Islands now joins Vanuatu in achieving ITF White Level recognition, describing it as a sign of growing sporting capacity and international credibility. He also reaffirmed Government support for sports development and urged athletes to convert national investment into results at international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF) President Michael Leong said the recognition represents a proud moment for tennis and a major milestone for national sport development.
“This recognition is a significant milestone for us as it is an acknowledgement by the world governing body of tennis that Solomon Islands now has a facility that meets internationally recognised standards for player development, coaching, competition and administration,” said Leong.
Leong thanked the Government of Solomon Islands for its continued investment in sport, and acknowledged the Government of the People’s Republic of China and CCECC for delivering a world-class facility through Sport City. He also recognised the National Sports Council for its stewardship of the National Tennis Centre.
He said the Federation currently supports more than 300 children in its development programmes, alongside school tennis initiatives through the Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI), which is expanding across Honiara and into the provinces.
“Our programmes are about much more than developing tennis players. They are about building confidence, discipline, teamwork, leadership and healthy lifestyles among our young people,” said Leong.
He highlighted recent international exposure through the West Pacific Junior Championships and upcoming national events, including the Independence Open Tournament, as well as Solomon Islands selection to host an ITF Junior Tennis Initiative tournament in 2027.
“This White Level recognition strengthens our credibility and confirms Solomon Islands as an emerging tennis nation in the Pacific,” said Leong.
NSC Board Chair Joe Sika Manuopangai said the achievement reflects strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation and the National Sports Council.
“This recognition would not have been possible without the close partnership between the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation and the National Sports Council,” said Sika.
He acknowledged the contribution of China and CCECC to Sport City and the National Tennis Centre, noting the facility has already hosted regional competitions, including the West Pacific Junior Championships.
He also stressed the importance of governance in sport, stating that “transparency and accountability remain essential to sustained sporting success. Recognition like this from the ITF does not happen by chance. It comes from strong governance, transparent processes, and a culture where athletes are selected and progressed on merit, not favour. This is the standard the National Sports Council expects across all the sporting federations we work with, and it is the standard that will take Solomon Islands sport forward”.
Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China described the project as a “miracle” and a symbol of strong bilateral cooperation.
“I think it is a miracle because it is not easy. Only two years were needed to complete this project despite the COVID-19 challenges,” said Qinghua.
The Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Honiara outlined the project timeline, noting that the agreement was signed in 2020, construction began in 2021, and the facility was completed and handed over in 2023.
Counsellor Li praised the efforts of CCECC workers and highlighted ongoing cooperation, including training programmes in China for athletes and sports officials, maintenance training, and educational exchanges.
“More than 1,000 Solomon Islanders visited China last year under various programmes, and more than 200 students are currently studying in China,” said Qinghua.
Counsellor Li added that the facility represents more than infrastructure.
“This sports stadium stands as a beacon and a strong connection between the two countries,” said Qinghua.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from Government, sporting leaders, and development partners to continue strengthening sport development, governance, and international competitiveness for Solomon Islands athletes.
The National Tennis Centre now stands as a lasting legacy of investment in youth, sport, and national pride.
