Caption: Team PNG sponsor, Air Niugini executives welcoming
both gold medal winners Dika Toua and Steven Kari on Friday.
By MATTHEW VARI
MINISTER for Sports, Pacific Games, and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko has applauded the performance of team PNG in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow- mainly that of the country’s golden duo Dika Toua and Steven Kari, which has elevated the status of PNG sport to 16th best sporting country out of 71 participating nations.
The country came out on top among all pacific states- a huge contrast to the last games in 2010 in Delhi, India when PNG came 29 out of 71 countries then.
“Now that is a remarkable achievement for our country, compared to the last time we were right down at the bottom of the ladder,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
“This is out of 70 odd countries so when it comes to sport in the country PNG is 16th, and it is something we can be proud to say that our country is 16th in the Commonwealth.”
“For the next Commonwealth games we have to aim to be right up there in the single digits and we can do it as there is not much between us and those in the tens.”
“This is out of 70 odd countries so when it comes to sport in the country PNG is 16th, and it is something we can be proud to say that our country is 16th in the Commonwealth.”
“For the next Commonwealth games we have to aim to be right up there in the single digits and we can do it as there is not much between us and those in the tens.”
He said that a welcome reception would be hosted by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, which was yesterday at Parliament where the PM presented each of them with their K100,000 cheques.
“Before they left to Glazgow for the Commonwealth Games our prime minister and government made a commitment,” Tkatchenko said.
“With gold medal winners receiving K100,000, silver K50,000, and bronze 25,000. We were very fortunate to have two gold medalists.”
The minister also welcomed the clearing of PNG weightlifter Tour Udia from charges of an alleged sexual attack laid against the athlete.
“Yesterday (Tuesday, August 5) the judge and the court in Scotland Glasgow cleared our weightlifter from any wrongdoing whatsoever due to the lack of evidence,” the Minister said.
“With gold medal winners receiving K100,000, silver K50,000, and bronze 25,000. We were very fortunate to have two gold medalists.”
The minister also welcomed the clearing of PNG weightlifter Tour Udia from charges of an alleged sexual attack laid against the athlete.
“Yesterday (Tuesday, August 5) the judge and the court in Scotland Glasgow cleared our weightlifter from any wrongdoing whatsoever due to the lack of evidence,” the Minister said.
“We are relieved at this because it is very unusual how this has happened to the weightlifter and the judge ruled that he is free to come to Papua New Guinea (on Friday).
“So I am very happy for our weightlifter so that he can continue with his good work because he came second in his heats.”
“I am very happy for his family and also for weightlifting and that our athlete has been totally cleared.”
“So I am very happy for our weightlifter so that he can continue with his good work because he came second in his heats.”
“I am very happy for his family and also for weightlifting and that our athlete has been totally cleared.”
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