French Polynesia is already eying up what sports could be introduced if a bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games is successful.
Tahiti to bid for 2023 Pacific Games Photo: AFP
Tahiti last hosted the Games in 1995 and was beaten by Tonga in the bidding process for the 2019 event.
The local government, with support from France, has budgeted up to 150 million US dollars to host the Games.
Kevin Kucsera from the French Polynesian Sports Ministry says, as well as the 12 compulsory sports required, a Pacific Games in Tahiti would naturally feature a number of water-sports.
"You know here in Tahiti surfing is one of the main sports here. It's not part of the Games in PNG, which is a shame for us because we always win the gold medal. It's a good thing that Australia and New Zealand are joining the competition in taekwondo so our athletes will compete against the best in the region. We are very strong in taekwondo and paddling and boxing and surfing so those sports are our main goals for the Games".
A formal bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games must be submitted by next year, with the final vote made in 2017.