PNG's Morea Baru Claims Pacific Islands' First Medal at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Papua New Guinea's Morea Baru has made history at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, becoming the first athlete from a Pacific Island nation to secure a medal. The 36-year-old weightlifter claimed the bronze in the men's 65kg division, lifting a combined total of 282 kilograms.

Baru's performance included a 125kg snatch and a 157kg clean-and-jerk. This bronze adds to his impressive Commonwealth Games record, bringing his total medal count to four. He previously won two silver medals and now has two bronze medals to his name.

In the same event, India's Raja Muthupandi secured the silver medal with a total lift of 286kg. The gold medal went to Malaysia's Aznil Biden, who achieved his third consecutive Commonwealth gold with a remarkable 299kg total. Other Pacific Island competitors in the weightlifting included Samoa's Felevaa Tafi (seventh), Kiribati's Kaimauri Erati (eighth), and Fiji's Apakuki Tabuwaiwai Wakanibua (ninth).

The Games also saw action in other sports. Fiji's Jasmine Daunakamakama advanced to the quarterfinals in women's boxing after a unanimous points victory. However, Tonga faced defeats in women's pairs bowls, and the Tongan Tala netball team lost heavily to South Africa. Fiji's women's basketball team also experienced tough competition, losing to Uganda and Jamaica.