Morea secures bronze as Baru brothers shine for Team PNG in Glasgow

Morea Baru picked up bronze for Team PNG after finishing third in the 65kg division of weightlifting *(Image: Team PNG)*

Papua New Guinea weightlifting star Morea Baru has delivered Team PNG’s first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, snatching bronze in the men’s 65kg division early this morning.

Entering the competition ranked third in his category, the veteran lifter lived up to expectations by lifting a total of 282kg to secure the podium finish. Malaysia’s Muhammad claimed gold with a 299kg total, while India’s Muthupandi took silver with 286kg.

This marks Morea Baru’s third medal across five Commonwealth Games appearances, bringing Team PNG’s historical weightlifting tally to eight medals since 1962.

PNG Weightlifting Federation President Dika Toua told NBC News that Baru was tipped to bring home a medal and delivered exactly as expected under pressure. Team PNG Chef De Mission Elaine Iorive also commended the veteran lifter for setting a high standard for the national squad.

Kevau Baru making his Commonwealth Games debut in the men's 60kg division *(Image: Team PNG)*

It was a memorable day for the Baru family as Morea’s younger brother, Kevau, made a commendable Commonwealth Games debut in the men’s 60kg division.

Competing at his first Games, young Kevau finished sixth overall after recording personal bests across all three groups in the snatch, the clean and jerk, and total weight lifted. Malaysia took gold in the 60kg division, followed by India with silver and Kenya with bronze.

Both Iorive and Toua applauded Kevau’s standout effort, stating that his rapid development on the international stage alongside his decorated older brother were rewarded.