New Caledonia leads the gold medal tally with 61 gold medals, on the 12th day of the South Pacific Game in Apia, today.

The impressive lead is followed by Papua New Guinea with 25, Samoa 23, Tahiti 21, Fiji 17, Nauru 11, Palau 4, Cook Islands 4, Federated States of Micronesia 3, American Samoa 3 and Tonga 2. Other island countries with two Gold Medals each are Vanuatu and Tokelau.

in the overall medal tally Tonga is 11th with 24 medals, two gold, 13 silver and nine bronze. The latest addition was a silver medal won by 'Ana Po'uhila, with a discus throw of 48.92m on September 4.

Other highlights from Apia yesterday were a victory by 14-year-old Akesa Drotini of Fiji who won the gold medal for the women's 5000 metres race.

The gold medal for the men's 3000 metres Steeplechase was won by Sapolai Yao of Papua New Guinea.

The Women's discus final was won by Tereapii Tapoki, Cook Islands with a 53.17m throw, and the silver went to 'Ana Po'uhila, Tonga and New Caledona took the bronze.