(Northern Marianas Sports Association) — Athletics, basketball, and wrestling — three sports that delivered medals for Team Marianas at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau — reflected on their success and what it means for the future of their programs in the NMI.
Athletics brought home three gold medals and one bronze, with standout runner Tania Tan earning two golds (10,000m run and half marathon) and a bronze (5,000m race). Lyle Andrew added another gold in the hammer throw.
Northern Marianas Athletics athletes also set several national records. Kaithlyn Chavez broke the women’s 800m record, Nash Santos set a new mark in the men’s 10,000m race, Simon Tang did the same in the 110m hurdles, and Maria Quitugua set a new standard in the javelin throw.
“With such a diverse group — throwers, sprinters, middle-distance runners — they did so well across the board,” said coach Zarinae Sapong, who co-led the team in Palau alongside Ron Olopai. “The team had a great mix of both experienced and first-time competitors, with some representing track and field overseas for the very first time. There’s a lot of pressure and expectation that comes with competing at this level, but that didn’t stop our team from showing up and leaving it all out there. They’d already done the hard work after months of training, and this was their moment to bring it all together. We saw personal bests, national records, and medals across the board.”
Although the NMI Athletics Team was one of the smallest contingents among the 23 participating nations/territories, it ranked No. 6 overall in the athletics medal standings — behind regional powerhouses like Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Australia, each of which had more than twice the number of NMI athletes in track and field.
The NMI Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team also stood tall despite their height disadvantage at the Palau High School Gymnasium. The quartet of Alliyah Fernandez, Kina Rangamar, Kaia Travilla, and Yasmeen Younis made up for their shorter stature with grit and heart.
“They had to go up against much taller and more physical teams and showed incredible tenacity and determination to earn that well-deserved bronze medal,” said team manager Preston Basa.
The NMI women battled back from an 11–12 heartbreaker against Fiji in the semifinals, then went toe-to-toe with Papua New Guinea in the bronze medal game, ultimately prevailing 21–19 in a thrilling finish.
“Their hard-fought effort earned them a historic accomplishment that reflects not only their competitiveness but also their growth and teamwork,” Basa added. It was the NMI’s first-ever basketball medal at the Mini Games.
Team officials had similar praise for the NMI men’s team.
“The men’s team stunned the crowd with victories over much taller and physically imposing teams like Tonga and Samoa,” Basa said. “After losing a nailbiter to the Solomon Islands, 20–19, they embodied the message proudly worn by our Palau basketball counterparts: ‘Heart Over Height.’ That phrase perfectly captures the kind of spirit and toughness our team brought to the court — game after game.”
Speaking of heart, the NMI Wrestling Team had plenty of it — and they needed it. Wrestling was one of the newest programs in Team Marianas’ lineup and exceeded expectations at its regional debut.
The team delivered one gold (Seth Sablan), two silvers (Miles Coleman and Vincent Palacios), and two bronzes (Palacios and Sablan).
“Just three months ago, we made a bold decision to commit to the Games with a group of new, unseasoned athletes who had never stepped onto a competitive mat,” said wrestling team manager Jason Tarkong. “Their very first match was not just any match — it was on the international stage. And now, the results speak for themselves — our wrestling team has brought home medals.”
Every support counts
A champion never rises alone — it takes dedicated coaches, supportive families, and committed officials and friends to build one.
“The joy, pride, and unity felt throughout the CNMI community and by everyone cheering from afar cannot be overstated,” Basa said, also thanking NMI Basketball Federation President James Lee, coaches Jack Lizama and Marlene Lumabi, and the Northern Marianas Sports Association for their strong support. “We’re also grateful to our sponsors from both the private and public sectors.”
Sapong likewise acknowledged the overwhelming support the athletics team received in Palau.
“Even though athletics is mostly an individual sport (aside from relays), what really stood out to me was how everyone supported each other — before, during, and after their events,” she said. “That kind of team spirit is what really makes the difference, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The Northern Marianas Wrestling Federation also recognized the essential role of family members.
“Your strength is the foundation on which this success was built,” Tarkong said.
Building on momentum
The outlook for the three sports is bright following their performance in Palau.
“We’re hopeful that this performance sparks excitement across the islands and inspires our sports community — athletes, coaches, families, and fans alike — to rally behind the growth of our NMI 3×3 program,” said Basa. “There is so much to be excited for, and with continued support, we know the future is bright. Let’s continue to build, believe, and push forward — together.”
For athletics and wrestling, the focus now is on getting more young athletes involved and providing them with opportunities to compete off-island.
“The medals are more than just wins,” Tarkong said. “They represent a commitment to building something more meaningful.”
Fellow athletes, coaches, family members, and team officials show their support to Pacific Mini Games gold medalist Tania Tan, sixth left, after she completed the half marathon race in Palau last week.
The NMI’s Kina Rangamar, left, tries to dribble past a Samoa defender during their 3×3 game in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau early this month.
ANOC photo
Team Marianas supporters gather at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium during the send-off ceremony for the NMI delegation last month. The NMI community continued to support their athletes by watching the livestreaming of the competitions in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau and sending messages to the teams.
Marianas Press photo
Seth Sablan, right, is declared the winner in his gold medal bout against Palau’s Kane Tarkong in the men’s 65kg class Greco wrestling competition in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau early this month.
Marianas Press photo
