Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNGâs athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, vaâa, and softball.
WEIGHTLIFTING â 5 GOLD MEDALS
Dika Toea, a legend in the sport, secured gold in her category, continuing her dominance on the regional stage and setting the tone for PNGâs medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both menâs and womenâs weight classes. These performances solidified PNGâs reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting.
TABLE TENNIS â BRONZE & GOLD MATCH QUALIFICATION
Brothers Geoffrey and David Loi secured bronze in the Menâs Open Doubles, with a dominating defeat over Tahiti in the playoff round. Meanwhile Para table tennis athlete Haoda Agari earned a straight-sets win over Tonga (3â0), qualifying him for the gold medal match in his division.
VAâA CANOEING â BUILDING ON STRONG MOMENTUM
While no races were scheduled for PNGâs vaâa team yesterday, their silver medal from the Menâs V6 1500âŻm race from Wednesday 3rd of July continues to boost the national tally. This remains in strong contention with upcoming events like the V1 16âŻkm endurance race, where paddlers aim for more podium finishes
WOMENâS SOFTBALL â FALLS SHORT IN BRONZE FINAL
Team PNGâs womenâs softball team gave a valiant effort in the bronze medal match against Micronesia but finished just short of a podium finish. Despite the loss, the team showed grit throughout the tournament and gained valuable international experience.
CURRENT MEDAL TALLY (as of 4 July 2025)
|
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Total |
|
7 |
10 |
12 |
29 |
This tally includes updated results from canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and other disciplines.
Looking ahead today 5th July:
- More weightlifting finals to come
- Vaâa long-distance V1 races resume
- 3Ă3 basketball and indoor volleyball continue
- Haoda Agariâs gold medal match in para table tennis
Team PNGâs 4 July performance, anchored by Dika Toeaâs golden lift, reflects the nationâs competitive fire and unity on the Pacific stage.
With several days of competition remaining, the squad continues to chase excellence, pride, and medals for the red, black, and gold.