Tkatchenko commends medallist

 Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko, pictured, has applauded veteran weightlifter Dika Toua’s silver medal win at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Papua New Guinea’s first at the Games.

“The sheer determination and courage of Dika in her lifts to get that silver was an exhilirating and emotional experience for us, Papua New Guineans who were there among the crowd to witness it,” Tkatchenko said.

“I am very proud of her determination and fighting spirit for the Gold, eventually missing out but settling for the silver

“She has once again made us proud.

“Knowing that she had been there before, and the adversity she had to face on her way back to international competition, was admirable. 

“ It was a tremendous effort from a tremendous athlete.”

“It was a proud moment for me as minister and as a Papua New Guinean.”

Tkatchenko, who was given the honour to present the medal winners with their gifts at the presentation ceremony, said that the medal was extra special against a class of high-quality lifters from around the Commonwealth.