Linda Pulsan

As part of their training, the Lewas are required to do strength and conditioning coaching at the High Performance Training Centre Gym.

Training alongside the team is a world champion Linda Pulsan who took time to share some words of encouragement with the team.

The current Pacific Games Gold Medalist in Power Lifiting who is committed to doing her best and bringing a medal home for PNG has a  unique take on how to make your mark in the world of sports.

Linda spoke to the girls about three key areas - sacrifice, "never give up" and 100 % commitment.

Pulsan said she was pleased with her result over the weekend at the Brisbane Open, which she did not expect.

World powerlifting icon Pulsan snatched gold plus she took out the Best Female Lifter Trophy award.

Hitolo Kevau, Kalau Andrew and Livingstone Sikoli also won gold medals for PNG in their weight classes, while Henry Kelo, Martin Titus and Anderson Mangela picked up silver and bronze.

“We did not have a lot of competitions and regular training so I didn’t think I would do as well as I did.”

Chairman of the organising committee, Andrew Runawery, said as of last Monday, only ten nominations have been received for the 11 categories.

“These have all come from the New Guinea Islands region,” said Runawery.

Powerlifting champion, Linda Pulsan, said winning the award was a great achievement for her.

“Just by being nominated already shows a great recognition, that there are people out there watching you and appreciate what you are doing, and it encourages and motivates you to continue to do your best for the country,” said Pulsan.

Pulsan showed her class outweighing her challengers which got the small but vocal crowd chanting; PNG, PNG!

But the upset of the day, was Livingstone Sikoli of PNG the men's 83kg division champion losing his title to Deamo Baguga of Nauru.

Sikoli settled for second place and Frederick Warsidi of New Caledonia third.

While the silver and bronze medal in the women's 72kg was won by Eibon Jerusha Mau of Nauru and Asenate Manoa of Tuvalu.

Day two of powerlifting continues tomorrow.

Linda Pulsan is the Pacific Games champion in the 72kg women's powerlifting event.

She will be defending her title this afternoon at the PNG Power Dome (SJGS Indoor Complex).

 Pulsan told Loop PNG in the morning that she does not feel any pressure and will let her lifting do the talking.

Speaking in Tok Pisin, Pulsan added that she will try her best to defend her gold.

Meanwhile, Pulsan said, she felt the nerves of carrying the country's flag, but those disappeared when entering the ceremony arena.