It's the end of the men's 67kg weightlifting competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Kiribati's Ruben Katoatau, 25, is one of the most-popular competitors with fans and the media.

He didn't win gold or silver or bronze, and even he can't quite understand why there's so much interest in him.

It could be the enthusiasm with which he approaches each lift, and the broad smile that breaks out after each success.

Or it could be the "Friendly Games" spirit, where everyone enjoys seeing competitors from small nations getting their chance to shine.

And, as good as gold may be, for many others like Katoatau, it means so much just to be a part of the event.

"I'm really excited about the crowd. I'm really happy for that," he said.

"I get fire on my platform, and I lift a weight. I really give everything."

Katoatau says weightlifting is not very popular in the Pacific Island.

He was inspired to start the sport because of his brother, David Katoatau, who went to three Olympics, and became a cult figure for his enthusiastic dancing after lifts.

"I really love weightlifting because I just want to do everything for my country. And I really want to encourage everyone out in Kiribati to what I do," Katoatau said.

Katoatau trains outdoors, there's no proper gym where he lives and, when it rains, they have to find shelter.

He's one of eight athletes competing from Kiribati at the Games, and they provide a valuable platform for him and his sport.

"The Commonwealth Games is very big for my country and, if everyone knows that I compete here, it's like I'm really famous for this time," he said.

Nikhat Zareen fighting for women's rights

India's Nikhat Zareen is the favourite to win the women's 48-50kg light flyweight boxing gold.

She's the recently crowned world champion, and a popular figure at home, competing at her first Commonwealth Games.

"It's a bigger opportunity for me to showcase my game here and to gain experience before the Paris Olympics," she said.

"I'm really excited and I'm looking forward to win all the matches and win gold medal for my country."

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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-02/the-commonwealth-games-means-more-than-gol