Cash rewards from the country's Government have been presented to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee ©PNGOC

Cash rewards from the country's Government have been presented to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) to recognise the three medals won at this year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

Steven Kari, Dika Toua and Morea Baru all stood on the podium at the Games in the Australian city in weightlifting.

Kari was the star performer, winning a gold medal in the men's under-94 kilograms division to defend the title he won at Glasgow 2014.

Toua and Baru won silver medals in the women's under-53kg and men's under-62kg categories respectively.

The haul was Papua New Guinea's most successful Commonwealth Games ever and Kari is their only double champion.

Incentives had always been promised by the Government and the PNGOC collected cheques on behalf of the athletes.

They were handed over by Imelda Agon, chief executive of the National Gaming and Control Board, in capital city Port Moresby.

Steven Kari is now a double Commonwealth Games champion ©Getty Images
Steven Kari is now a double Commonwealth Games champion ©Getty Images

"We understand that a lot of sacrifice is done behind the scenes and we are very proud of your success at the Games," said Agon.

PNGOC President Sir John Dawanincura thanked the Government for the support, admitting that such incentives boost the morale of athletes and helps them pursue other goals.

"A lot of our athletes don't have a job or a regular income but they spend a lot of their time and resources striving to achieve their dreams and we are proud of their successes," he said.

"Winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games is a big achievement and we are extremely grateful for the recognition and support from the Government."