History was made this week in the boxing ring when Thadius Katua won PNG’s first gold at Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in Apia, Samoa.
Fighting in the 60kg bantamweight division, Katua cruised through to the final beating his Samoan opponent.
This set up the gold medal playoff with Northern Ireland’s Bradley Tieman which Katua won easily.
More good news for PNG came when the duo of Mathew Stubbings and Violet Apisah also won a bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles division.
PNG Olympic Committee Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla congratulated Katua and the tennis duo for their achievements.
“This young boxer is special, the future looks promising for him,” said Rapilla.
“Well done, Thadius, Mathew and Violet. You have worked hard and fought well and now you have made history for your country and also for yourselves.
“We are very proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing you and the rest of the team with your spoils of victory when you return home,” said Rapilla.