The Pacific Games Council says the Tongan government's withdrawal from hosting the 2019 Games is "an extremely disappointing and confusing decision".
The Council was formally advised of the government's decision to pull out yesterday because of financial concerns, five days after the move was approved by cabinet.
Council President Vidhya Lakhan says the Tongan government's withdrawal from hosting is "an extremely disappointing and confusing decision which robs Tonga's youth and future generations of the golden opportunity to receive badly needed sport and recreation facilities."
He said "Tonga's citizens and businesses will also miss out on the many vital employment and commercial opportunities associated with the heightened economic activity around the Games."
The Pacific Games Council's Executive Board would hold an emergency meeting next weekend to discuss the way forward.
Source: RNZ
