Papua New Guineans Koare Debbie Baki and Philo Magaiva were proud recipients of gold medals tonight at the women’s boxing finals.
In the middle weight division (69-75ks) Baki’s performance had the crowd roaring, cheering her on.
Baki took on Tahiti’s tough boxer Edith Tavanae but her quick feet carried her home triumphantly.
The 25 year old had tears running down her cheeks as she stood on the podium basking in the presence of her fellow country men and women.
This is Baki’s first gold medal.
When asked what she plans to do with the K20, 000 incentive, she said; “I am not sure really, I haven’t thought about that yet.”
Tavanae grabbed sliver while Guam’s Gianna Sarusal took home the bronze medal.
Representing PNG in the women’s Fly division (48-51KGs) Magaiva of Central Origin defeated Nauru’s Rachelle Bonillo.
Bonillo settled for the Silver medal.
Governor General Sir Michael Ogio presented the medals.
Baki’s sister Raphaela bagged a sliver in the women’s light weight division (57-60kgs).
She lost her final match to Jennifer Chieng of the Federated States of Micronesia, while bronze medals were presented to Tahiti’s Lahana Ioane Hatara and Tonga’s Pueki Fifita.
Officials say both Tahiti and Tonga received bronze because both boxers lost in their semifinal matches and therefore there was no final play off for bronze.