SPORTS and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko has praised the win by weightlifters Dika Toua and Steven Kari, describing it as a roller-coaster and unbelievable.
Mr Tkatchenko told a media conference on his return from Glasgow on Saturday in Port Moresby that Toua’s lift was incredible. "She is a true champion of PNG and especially as a woman, coming back from illness and getting to where she is now is incredible," said the minister. Tkatchenko spoke strongly of the Nigerian athlete who failed both drug tests which resulted in Toua being awarded PNG’s second Gold Medal at the Games. "Cheating never ever pays and it was a relief for me because the amount of work Dika has put in for the past two years is unbelievable," he said. "She was very ill with TB and to make a comeback and make sacrifices to compete amongst the best in the world, and win gold for PNG fair and square is remarkable. She is a fantastic role model for every athlete in PNG," Tkatchenko said. Toua was awarded Gold by the Commonwealth Games Committee yesterday and Minister Tkatchenko is pleased with the outcome of the saga that has now been settled. "Dika Toua rightfully deserved the gold." Speaking of Steven Kari, Minister Tkatchenko was full of praise for the boy also from Hanuabada, who lifted 200kg to win gold over Australia and India. "What a champion, lifting 200kg, the bar was heavy and for him to lift it over his head was astonishing, and unbelievable, he rightfully deserves that Gold Medal too. "That’s lifting two of me. Sitting there and watching was a fantastic feeling." Comments are closed.
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