Overview:
The Belau Games return July 9-19, with this year's opening ceremony doubling as a celebration of the 45th anniversary of Belau Constitutional Day. PNOC officials say most events are already underway, with a packed schedule of 20 sports — including badminton for the first time — set to unfold at the National Oval and venues across Koror.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (July 6, 2026) — The Belau Games will run July 9-19, Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) President Frank Kyota announced on a radio talk show.
Kyota said the opening ceremony will fall on July 9, the 45th anniversary of Belau Constitutional Day, making the date “a double celebration.”
PNOC Secretary-General Baklai Temengil-Chilton said the opening ceremony will take place at the National Oval track and field facility. Teams will assemble at 4 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. and running until about 6 p.m.
Chilton said this year’s Belau Games will feature archery, athletics, baseball, swimming, 5×5 basketball, 3×3 basketball, judo, micro all-around, indoor and beach volleyball, softball, canoeing, sailing, spearfishing, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting, wrestling and beach wrestling. Badminton will be added to the lineup for the first time this year.
Most events have already begun, Chilton said, though a few sports will start ahead of the July 9 opening ceremony. Play in 3×3 basketball and some athletics preliminaries is set to begin Sunday, July 6.
In a related development, the Governors Association wrote to both houses of the Olbiil Era Kelulau on June 30 requesting special funding for youth intra-state and inter-state sports, as well as other wellness programs. The association said the funding would support youth sports and healthy activities year-round.
Chilton said state representatives and tournament directors are meeting weekly to ensure preparations for the Games proceed smoothly.