World No. 22 Solomon Islands eyes top-16 breakthrough after remarkable rise in 3v3 floorball
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Floorball Federation (FFSI) is aiming even higher after the national men’s team achieved a historic milestone by climbing to 22nd in the latest International Floorball Federation (IFF) 3v3 world rankings following its debut at the 2026 World Championship in Madrid, Spain.
The new ranking, which places Solomon Islands ahead of countries including Brazil, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Colombia and Côte d’Ivoire, has been hailed by the federation as one of the biggest achievements in the sport’s short history in the country.
The information was provided through written interview responses from FFSI President, coach, trainer and player Adam Olofsson, along with responses from national goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana.
“Being ranked 22nd in the world is unbelievable for a small country like Solomon Islands.
“I am so proud, and so are the federation, the players and the people of Solomon Islands. It is definitely history for our country,” Olofsson said.
Olofsson admitted he never imagined the team would climb the world rankings so quickly.
“I definitely didn’t think that, but it shows that everything is possible if you believe in it and work hard for it.
“There are thousands of hours of hard work and passion behind this achievement,” he said.
He credited the team’s fitness and determination as key factors in the historic rise.
“I think it is our fitness and the Solomon Islands body structure, which suits a fast team sport like floorball. If you never give up, you can go a long way,” he said.
The FFSI president said victories over Hong Kong and Côte d’Ivoire at the World Championship were crucial in securing the improved ranking.
“The better your ranking, the easier groups you can get at the next World Championship.
“So those wins were very important. We were especially pleased to beat Hong Kong again and defeat Ivory Coast 9-3,” Olofsson said.
He said finishing ahead of much larger nations highlighted the rapid progress Solomon Islands has made.
“These countries have far bigger player bases and have played floorball much longer than we have. That makes this achievement a real milestone,” he said.
Olofsson believes the ranking has also elevated Solomon Islands’ profile within the international floorball community.
“If a small island nation can achieve this, it inspires other small countries as well.
“It also puts Solomon Islands on the map. More people are learning about our country, and that can even benefit tourism,” he said.
He added that the achievement is already helping attract new interest in the sport.
“This ranking is very important for attracting sponsors, government support and new players. We are already seeing more people wanting to join floorball,” he said.
With confidence growing, the federation has now set even bigger goals.
“We will focus more on 3v3 floorball, and our target at the next World Championship is to finish inside the world’s top 16.
“We also want floorball to become the second biggest sport in Solomon Islands,” Olofsson said.
He said the federation plans to expand the sport into every province, introduce more school programmes, establish a youth academy and continue seeking financial support for equipment and facilities.
National goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana described the latest world ranking as a reward for years of sacrifice and commitment.
“I was really proud and excited.
“It shows that all the hard work, sacrifices and commitment from the players, coaches and everyone involved in Solomon Islands floorball are paying off,” Kumakana said.
The young goalkeeper said the achievement has strengthened his own ambitions.
“My goal is to continue improving, help Solomon Islands climb even higher in the rankings and hopefully play professionally in Europe while representing my country with pride,” he said.
He also encourages young Solomon Islanders to pursue the sport.
“This ranking proves that even a small nation like Solomon Islands can compete with the best.
“Keep chasing your dreams because you could be the next player representing our country on the world stage,” Kumakana said.
Solomon Islands made its historic debut at the 2026 3v3 World Floorball Championship in Madrid, Spain, from June 12 to 14, becoming the only Oceania nation to compete.
The Basiotos recorded memorable victories over Hong Kong and Côte d’Ivoire before finishing 22nd in the latest IFF men’s 3v3 world rankings, marking another major milestone in the development of floorball in Solomon Islands.
Photo: Supplied
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