Beyond Hanuabada: how teenager Velena Ulea is putting Rigo on the weightlifting map

Velena Ulea competing in the 65kg category during the Oceania Junior & Youth Championships in Melbourne, Australia last year (Image: Supplied)

In a sport long dominated by Hanuabada natives, a new weightlifting sensation is emerging from Rigo. Nineteen-year-old Velena Ulea is steadily climbing the ranks in one of Papua New Guinea’s most decorated sporting codes.

Inspired by his late father, Ulea Laua, the reigning Oceania Junior Championship silver medalist began his weightlifting journey in 2023 under the guidance of the legendary Dika Toua at her Hanuabada club.

The young lifter, who hails from Tauruba and the Aroma Coast in Central Province, boldly declared his ambitions after making his international debut in 2024.

"I want to be the next hero," Ulea told NBC News when asked about his ultimate dream.

Ulea being comforted by his late father Ulea Laua prior to departing for Fiji during his first international representation in Commonwealth Championship *(Image: Post Courier)*

Ulea discovered his passion for the sport at age 16 while living in Hanuabada. His grueling work ethic and commitment paid off after just a year of training when he was selected for the 2024 National Championships in Goroka. He clinched the national title with a gold-medal performance, instantly earning a spot in the national squad.

Later that year, Ulea made his international debut in the 49kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Fiji, walking away with a bronze medal in his rookie appearance.

"It was a memorable moment for me. I was very proud to represent the country," Ulea recalled of his first time donning the red, black, and gold abroad. "I thank my late dad for his great support. He was my number one supporter."

Velena Ulea competing the clean & jerk during the Oceania championships last year

His sensational form caught the eye of national coach Willie Tamasi, who guided Ulea and a cohort of rising stars to the Oceania Youth & Junior Championships in Melbourne, Australia, in 2025. Ulea rose to the occasion, securing a silver medal after lifting a total of 173kg in the 65kg division.

Now a Grade 9 student at Kemabolo Day High School in Rigo, the emerging talent admits that balancing studies and elite training is a constant hurdle. Ulea lives in Tauruba village and travels to Port Moresby on weekends for training. A one-hour PMV commute that costs K10 each way for a student.

"It’s always a challenge to balance schoolwork and manage training," he said.

Drawing inspiration from PNG weightlifting icons Steven Kari, Morea Baru, and Dika Toua, Ulea is determined to emulate his idols.

For now, his focus is on maintaining consistency, securing his spot in the national team for upcoming regional meets like the Pacific Games, and ultimately, earning his ticket to the Commonwealth Games.