Katua and Baru going to Rio

Boxer Thadius Katua and weightlifter Morea Baru are going to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The two secured invitations through the International Olympic Committee’s qualification systems.

This allows the best athletes in each sport to participate in the Games primarily through the continental qualification of athletes and teams.

Katua (60kg) is PNG's first Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist and will look to build on his Pacific Games and Commonwealth Youth Games gold medals from 2015.

Baru (62kg) on the other hand is currently PNG's top male lifter and won gold at the recent Oceania Championships. He also won best lifter of the championship title.

Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Auvita Rapilla said both Katua and Baru had been rewarded for their hard work.

 “Although the duo were not able to qualify through their respective qualification tournaments, their level of performance has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee and their respective International Federations through the awarding of the Tripartite Commission places.

“Both Thadius and Morea have had some significant performances at the international level and it is fantastic to see them rewarded with Tripartite Commission Places,” said Auvita Rapilla.

Katua and Baru now Ryan Pini (Swimming), Toea Wisil (Athletics), Theo Piniau (Athletics), Samantha Kassman, Maxemillion Kassman (Taekwondo) and Raymond Ovinou (Judo) as Team PNG’s contingent for the Olympics.

Author: 
Troy Taule