Cook Islands junior tennis player Raetea Rongo will be representing team Pacific Oceania alongside Mia Chang of Tahiti and Papua New Guinea's Colita Hakena at the 2025 Asia Oceania Pre-Qualifying Billie Jean King Cup Juniors in Malaysia.

Rongo who won two gold medals at last year’s U16 doubles at 2024 Pacific Oceania Junior Championships held in Fiji (with Tekura Tamangaro) and a gold medal in the singles competition was selected as part of the Pacific Oceania Junior Billie Jean King pre-qualifying tournament in Malaysia from March 4-9.

Rongo departed for Singapore yesterday with Chang who will meet with Hakena and coach Abigail Tere-Apisah before departing for Malaysia.

Tennis Cook Islands Coach Malcolm Kajer said he was proud of Rongo’s achievement having to juggle both school and tennis.

Kajer said: “She has worked hard over the years to go on this trip, she will be going with two other girls to represent the Pacific and this is something she’s been working on…”

He said the youngsters will compete in the U16 division against the best from other countries like Asia.

Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford says tennis opportunities for  Cook Islands juniors are endless but they have to work hard.

“Raetea is an inspiration and she continues to reach amazing heights every year.

“Tennis Cook Islands wishes Raetea and the Pacific Oceania Junior Billie Jean King Cup team all the best in Kuching, Malaysia. Te Atua te aroa.”

Meanwhile, according to Sarawak Tribune news, Kuching is set to host top junior tennis talents from 25 countries for the 2025 Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying Billie Jean King Cup Juniors and Davis Cup Juniors at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Centre. The tournament will feature over 37 teams, including 14 girls’ teams and 23 boys’ teams, with a total of 148 participants.