KOROR, Palau — Palau’s Wrestling Team powered the nation to sixth place in the overall medal standings at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, collecting 16 of Palau’s 23 medals as of the end of Day 3.
Palau’s current tally includes five gold, seven silver, and eleven bronze medals — a significant improvement from its 11th-place finish in the 2022 Games, where the country secured just four medals: three gold and one bronze.
The Wrestling Team has been the standout contributor, capturing all five gold medals and all but one of the seven silver medals awarded to Palau. The team also brought home three bronze medals, demonstrating dominance across Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Beach Wrestling disciplines in both men’s and women’s divisions and across multiple weight classes.
Among the top performers was Raiden Soaladaob Hobson Decherong, who won gold in the Under-17 Freestyle 60kg division. Hina Brel secured two gold medals — one in the Under-17 Women’s 61kg freestyle and another in the Under-20 62kg division. Rihanna Orrukem and Uilau Tarkong added to the gold count with wins in Beach Wrestling, showcasing Palau’s versatility across wrestling formats.
The full list of wrestling medalists is as follows:
Gold Medalists
● Raiden Decherong – FS U17, 60kg
● Hina Brel – WW U17, 61kg & WW U20, 62kg (2 Golds)
● Rihanna Orrukem – BW-WW U20, 60kg
● Uilau Tarkong – BW-WW U20, 70kg
Silver Medalists
● Filimoto Carter – FS U17, 92kg
● Kane Tarkong – GR U17, 65kg
● Vaughn Mobel – GR U17, 110kg
● Romina Temengil – WW U17, 69kg
● Shawn Tokaski – GR U20, 60kg
● Rihanna Orrukem – WW U20, 62kg
● Manifanur Marino – BW U20, 80kg
Bronze Medalists
● J-Boy Masters – GR U20, 77kg & BW U20, 80kg (2 Bronze)
●Filimoto Carter – GR U20, 97kg
● Shawn Tokaski – BW U20, 70kg
As the Games continue, Palau’s wrestling achievements have not only energized the nation’s athletes but also boosted national pride and regional recognition in the Pacific sports community.