Pacific nations win two more medals in Commonwealth Games weightlifting

The Pacific Islands contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has added two more medals to their tally, boosting their presence in the competition. Samoa secured a silver medal, and Nauru earned a bronze, both in the men's 71-kilogram weightlifting event.

Samoa's John Lautafi Tafi lifted a combined total of 314 kg, lifting 142 kg in the snatch and a Games record of 172 kg in the clean-and-jerk, to secure the silver. Nauru's Ezekial Moses achieved a total of 310 kg, with 140 kg in the snatch and 170 kg in the clean-and-jerk, earning him the bronze medal. The gold medal went to Nigeria's Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, who set a Games record with a total of 319 kg.

In other weightlifting results, Jenly Tegu Wini of the Solomon Islands placed fifth in the women's 53kg, while Loa Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea did not finish. In the women's 58kg, Samoa's Anoni Faumui finished sixth, and Margaret Bless Harris of Nauru came in tenth. These medals add to the bronze previously won by Moera Baru of Papua New Guinea.

Pacific athletes are continuing their competitions as the Games progress. In boxing, Samoan boxer Marion Ah Tong advanced to the quarterfinals in the 70kg category after defeating his opponent from Kiribati. However, other Pacific boxers, including Osward Talaka from the Solomon Islands, Fiji's Elijah Qiokata, and Tonga's Josh Tonga, were eliminated in their respective rounds.

In athletics, no Pacific Island runners have advanced beyond the heats in the 100-meter sprint. While some achieved season's best times, they did not meet the qualification standards. Fiji's Rusiate Matai recorded a season's best in the men's high jump, securing ninth place, but it was not enough for a medal. Other track and field athletes from Fiji, PNG, and the Cook Islands also competed but did not progress to medal contention.