PNG Weightlifting Coach heads to the US Coaching Program

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), through Olympic Solidarity funding support, has sent weightlifting coach Konio Toua, the younger sister of Olympic weightlifting legend Dika Toua, to the XVII International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP), hosted by the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, USA, from 17 September to 3 October 2026.

A successful ICECP scholarship recipient in 2026, coach Toua and sisters Dika and Thelma are the household names in PNG weightlifting. Coach Toua currently coaches at the club level, mentoring young and developing athletes. 

The 17-day program gives her access to international coaching education and a hands-on apprenticeship placement — knowledge PNGOC expects will flow directly into strengthening the sport and athlete’s development pathway at home.

"Coach Toua's selection for ICECP reflects the caliber of coaching talent coming through our federations,” Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said.

“We are grateful to Olympic Solidarity and the partnership they have with the University of Delaware to provide these opportunities for our coaches. 

"Investing in coach development is central to building a sustainable high-performance pathway for sports."

Coach Toua's coursework at the University of Delaware covers anti-doping and clean sport education, sport psychology, biomechanics, athlete development, and coaching leadership, including an individual coaching project from concept through to evaluation. 

From 28 September, she moves into a week-long practical apprenticeship placement before returning to PNG on 3 October.

"Being selected for ICECP is a great honor," coach Toua said.

“It gives me the chance to learn from coaches around the world and bring that knowledge home — to expand weightlifting into more provinces, identify young talent, and build a stronger pathway for athletes across the country, regardless of where they live in PNG."

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee congratulates coach Konio Toua on her selection and wishes her every success as she completes ICECP XVII and returns home.