Articles by Rashneel Kumar

Let the Games begin!

Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Netball, Sports

Ten teams will battle in the first ever beach netball competition on day one of the 2023 Beach Games today at the Nikao beach courts.

League Nines in Paradise off to exciting start

Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Defending champions Tupapa Panthers suffered a shocking loss to a resurgent Titikaveka Bulldogs on day one of the League Nines in Paradise tournament at the National Stadium in Nikao on Friday.

Youngsters set to lead

Friday 6 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Rugby league, Sports

The pioneers of women’s rugby league in the Cook Islands have stepped aside to allow upcoming players to lead the charge in this weekend’s League Nines in Paradise tournament.

Stage set for Beach Games

Friday 6 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Other Sports, Sports

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Beach Games has been moved to tomorrow at 9am.

Raro clubs set for 2023 Nines battle

Thursday 5 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Rugby league, Sports

Twelve teams will compete across three categories – open men’s, open women’s and under-18 men’s – in the 2023 League Nines in Paradise this weekend.

Kata: Drama in court

Thursday 1 December 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Budding cricketers get a hand with new coaching programme in schools

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports

Cricket is getting a much-needed boost at junior level on Rarotonga with the introduction of an international coaching programme in schools.

Seven Cook Islanders receive Queen’s Birthday Honours medals

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

The Cook Islands recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours were presented with their medals yesterday by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters.

Bakery expands with new retail operation

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

A Rarotonga bakery is expanding into retail after family commitments delayed its opening.

‘It’s like coming back home’: Shortland Street star shares his connection with Cook Islands

Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National

Ben Mitchell has visited the Cook Islands several times but it was during a recent trip that he felt a connection which brought him closer to his ‘ancestral homeland’.

CHURCH TALK: You shall be my witnesses

Friday 28 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Last Sunday in our Cathedral Church in Avarua, 11 youth together with an adult received the sacrament of confirmation. The ceremony consisted of three parts, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.

LETTER: Questioning the legitimacy of granting PRs

Friday 28 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Dear Editor, Our national elections have come and gone, however there are some unanswered questions and unfinished business that needs attention. The circumstances and reasons for these questions and unfinished business all hover around one subject. And that is the sustenance for political power through whatever means possible.

Kukis prepare for PNG clash

Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Cook Islands rugby league coach Tony Iro is hoping to have a fitter squad available for tomorrow’s Papua New Guinea match after a bad run of cold flu affected some players in lead up to Wales win.

Paving the way for future league stars

Saturday 22 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, League, Sports

The 20-year-old Tehinnah Tatuava is the lone Cook Islands-based player in the national women’s Rugby League World Cup team. She hopes this will be a stepping stone in paving the way for local up and coming girls and women in rugby league.

Rivals to meet in football clash

Saturday 22 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

This weekend’s football clash has been one the fans have been itching to see, last year’s Tower Insurance Premier Mens champions Nikao Sokattak will be taking on Tupapa’s soldiers in black.

Kata: Equal rights

Friday 21 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Boxers called on to raise their gloves following successful CI Games event

Friday 14 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Boxing, Sports

Cook Islands Boxing Federation is urging boxers who won medals at the 2022 Cook Islands Games to set goals and represent the nation at upcoming regional and international events.

Agriculture keeps tabs on destructive African swine fever

Friday 14 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

The Ministry of Agriculture will host a workshop on a destructive disease that poses risk to local pigs.

Weightlifters set the bar high in bid for international event

Wednesday 12 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Sports

Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation is looking to host a regional event after the success of the 2022 Cook Islands Games.

Co-captains to lead Kukis

Wednesday 12 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Cook Islands rugby league side is settling in well at their base in Hurworth ahead of their opening Rugby League World Cup match against Wales on Wednesday, October 19.