GOLD COAST: Morea Baru has won Papua New Guinea’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games by snatching a silver medal in the men’s 62kg division competition tonight at Carrara indoor stadium.

This makes Baru the twelfth recipient of a medal in the history of PNGs participation at the Commonwealth Games.

Baru lifted a total of 286 kg to settle for the silver behind Malaysia’s Muhamad Aznil Bidin while the bronze medal went to Talha Talib of Pakistan.

He was the favourite and was confident of pushing for the gold medal but fell short by 2kg after only managing to clear 159kg in his second attempt of the Clean & Jerk category.

Baru’s highest lift in the Snatch was 127kg which he cleared in his second attempt however, his third attempt of 130kg was unsuccessful.

Chef de Mission Tamzin Wardley said, The match up between Baru and Bidin was a tough competition with the two trading first ranking as they increased their weights.

Baru was unfortunate and missed a lift which meant he was chasing Bidin, though it still took a Commonwealth Games record lift by Bidin to beat Baru.

Team Manager, Willie Tamasi said they were confident in Morea and knew he could take out a medal at the Gold Coast.

A silver is a great achievement and we are all very proud of Morea. He really worked hard to be here and this is a great achievement! Tamasi said.