BY TONY IROGA
The National Sports Council (NSC) has announced that the National Tennis Centre has been officially recognised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as a White Level Facility, marking a major achievement for sport in Solomon Islands.
The recognition was celebrated during a ceremony held at the National Tennis Centre yesterday, attended by representatives of the Chinese Embassy, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF), NSC officials, athletes and invited guests.
NSC in a statement yesterday, said the ITF classification confirms that the National Tennis Centre meets internationally recognised standards for player development, coaching, competition and administration.
Home Affairs Minister Father Manasseh Maelanga described the recognition as a proud achievement for the country and an important legacy of the 2023 Pacific Games.
“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,” Mr Maelanga said.
He acknowledged the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Chinese Embassy, CCECC and the NSC for their contributions in building and maintaining the facility.
Mr Maelanga said the recognition will provide greater access to ITF funding, technical support and opportunities for athlete and coach 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,” he said.
SITF President Michael Leong said the recognition is a significant milestone for tennis development in Solomon Islands.
“This recognition is an acknowledgement by the world governing body of tennis that Solomon Islands now has a facility that meets internationally recognised standards,” Mr Leong said.
He revealed that the federation currently supports more than 300 children through development programmes and school tennis initiatives, which are expanding across Honiara and into the provinces.
Mr Leong said the White Level status will strengthen Solomon Islands’ standing as an emerging tennis nation in the Pacific.
NSC Board Chair Joe Sika Manuopangai said the achievement reflects the strong partnership between the National Sports Council and the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation.
“This recognition would not have been possible without the close partnership between the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation and the National Sports Council,” he said.
Mr Sika also stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and good governance in sport, saying these principles are essential for continued success.
Meanwhile, Chinese Embassy Counsellor Li Qinghua described the project as a “miracle”, noting that the facility was completed within two years despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This sports stadium stands as a beacon and a strong connection between the two countries,” Mr Li said.
The NSC said the National Tennis Centre has already hosted regional events, including the West Pacific Junior Championships, and is expected to play an important role in the future development of tennis in Solomon Islands.
The event concluded with a commitment from government, sporting bodies and development partners to support sport development and create opportunities for Solomon Islands athletes on the international stage.
Photo credit: NSC
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