June 28, 2022

BY DAVID SUSUVE

Team PNG set another impressive medal record finishing on top of the 2022 Mini Pacific Games Medal tally.

PNG won 33 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze and there were some personal records and achievements set by the athletes and weightlifting queen Dika Toua was one of those athletes who once again bagged a handful including an award.

She was honored be inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.

Toua was again at her best winning three gold medals in the 49 kg weight class of the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas.

The 38-year-old Toua said she has been competing in the sport of weightlifting for more than 20 years and it was an honour to be inducted.

Toua, who first competed in the 1999 South Pacific Games hosted by Guam, also won her 13th title in the Oceania Weightlifting Championships which coincided with the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.

I am grateful and thank you to the Lord for rewarding me with this award.

Im sure my achievement will go on to inspire many young women out there to pursue their dreams in sports, says Toua who also won gold in the Oceania Weightlifting Championships.

Apart from the medals and award, Toua (pictured) was also awarded the Games top female athlete.

She said it was emotional because it brought back great memories of her career, which has eventually paid off.

She said the Mini Games will help her prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, London next month.

She said the Mini Games have brought up the standard in the Pacific because the accommodation is brilliant.

Toua thanked her sponsor Trukai Industries, the PNG Olympic Committee and Paul Coffa in supporting her over the years.

My achievement wouldnt be possible if it wasnt without the support of these people which Im grateful for.

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Toua honoured to be inducted - POST-COURIER