Chimbu move to third

By HENRY MORABANG
TEAM Chimbu upstaged Team Morobe on the final gold medal count to move into third spot in the just-completed 2017 BSP PNG Games in Kimbe.
PNG Games sports director John Susuve yesterday said the final clarification of a Team Chimbu gold medal was placed on hold.
“Due to non-compliance and disputes raised and lodged against the placing and endorsement, the medal was declared in the sports of powerlifting and added to Team Chimbu officially making their total to 31 gold,” he said.
The recent change has officially declared and pushed Team Chimbu into third place in the 7th PNG Games.
Former champion, Team Morobe, fall back to fourth place with 30 gold medals.
The positional changes capped off yet another memorable and exciting sporting event for 2017.
Susuve said the highlight of the PNG Games was Team Chimbu’s dominance on the track and field in particular the middle and long distance events.
Chimbu bagged 86 medal in total which propelled them into third spot behind NCD and champions Central.
Central Governor Robert Agarobe described it as unbelievable.
Agarobe commended the efforts of his provincial administrator and the administration for putting the team together.
“I was busy with politics but I want to commend the general team management for their effort and putting the team together.”
Deputy Governor Desmond Baira who was on hand to receive the PNG Games Cup thanked the weightlifting athletes for winning half of the gold medals (21) to help Team Central win the Games.
Susuve said the biggest let down was disqualification of Northern’s solo athlete Martin Orove who won the 800m.
Despite many challenges including sports programmes not ready on time and some provinces arriving late it has been a wonderful and exciting Games.