Tonga Taekwondo

Malia Paseka wowed the guests at the Olympic Day where the National Taekwondo team performed at the Basilica of St Anthony and Padua in Nuku’alofa.

The event was organised by the National Olympic Committee and attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, Tetsuya Ishii, TASANOC representatives, sports representatives, primary school students, and others.

Paseka showed off her martial arts skills as she demonstrated self defence moves, taking down two attackers at the same time.

Moala Takelo defeated Fred Junior Gwali from Solomon Islands in the final of the men's Under 87kg division to win gold in only his second international event.

"He gives thanks to God. With God himself he's been able to achieve what he's achieved today and he's so thankful."

Sione Tufi, Viliami Moala and Tekiteki Ngahe also won bronze medals at the Harvest Centre in Apia.

Their coach, Master Paula Sitapa, was last the Tongan to win gold in taekwondo at the Pacific Games back in 2007 and said the next generation are showing a lot of promise.