Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNG’s athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, va’a, and softball.
WEIGHTLIFTING — 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 PNG’s medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both men’s and women’s weight classes. These performances solidified PNG’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting.
TABLE TENNIS — BRONZE & GOLD MATCH QUALIFICATION
Brothers Geoffrey and David Loi secured bronze in the Men’s 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 (3–0), qualifying him for the gold medal match in his division.
VA’A CANOEING — BUILDING ON STRONG MOMENTUM
While no races were scheduled for PNG’s va’a team yesterday, their silver medal from the Men’s V6 1500 m race from Wednesday 3rd of July continues to boost the national tally. This remains in strong contention with upcoming events like the V1 16 km endurance race, where paddlers aim for more podium finishes
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL — FALLS SHORT IN BRONZE FINAL
Team PNG’s women’s 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
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Silver
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Bronze
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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
- Va’a long-distance V1 races resume
- 3×3 basketball and indoor volleyball continue
- Haoda Agari’s gold medal match in para table tennis
Team PNG’s 4 July performance, anchored by Dika Toea’s golden lift, reflects the nation’s 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.