Solomon Islands win several karate medals as New Caledonia dominate

New Caledonia raked in another six gold medals on the second and final day of Sol2023 Pacific Games karate at SIFF Academy, solidifying their position at the top of the medal tally.

In the women’s team Kata event, New Caledonia won gold but Solomon Islands achieved silver, much to their delight.

Solomon Islands’ women’s karate head coach Betty Mona said: “We have prepared for the competition but, compared to New Caledonia, they are more advanced for this stage.

“Despite the result, we remain optimistic that one day we will put up a tough competition with them up to their level, since this is our first encounter.”

A smiling Gregory Panne, New Caledonia’s head coach, said: “We have put all our efforts together, aiming to raise New Caledonia’s flag higher, proving we are the Pacific champions.

“Based on yesterday’s results, we were confident about sweeping all gold medals back to our country.”

In the men’s team Kata, New Caledonia also retained their Pacific Games title. Nauru got silver.

In the women’s Kumite open, New Caledonia struck gold, silver went to Tahiti’s Kenly Cavanie, and Solomon Islands got a bronze medal.

In the men’s Kumite open, New Caledonia claimed gold and silver ahead of Fiji.

In the women’s team Kumite, New Caledonia claimed another gold with Solomon Islands settling for silver.

Ending the session was the men’s team Kumite, in which New Caledonia collected its sixth gold, with Solomon Islands again claiming silver.

By Jeffson Aghi and Philip Robo, Pacific Games News Service