Tonga's Pita Taufatofua and coach Master Paula Sitapa training in Rio. Photo: Instagram / Pita Taufatofua
Tonga's government looks to use Olympian Pita Taufatofua as a motivational speaker.
The 32 year old was the talk of the Rio Games after his shirtless, coconut oil fuelled displays at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
His success on social media didn't translate onto the mat, however, with the Oceania champion beaten in the first round the men's over 80kg taekwondo competition.
Pita Taufatofua's coach, Master Paula Sitapa, said they want to use his profile to raise up the next generation of Tongan athletes.
The Acting CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Onetoto 'Anisi said, with his clean living and perservance, Taufatofua is a great role model for the nation's youth.
"Where he can reach out to the young and also we can use him to talk and advocate and encourage young people here in Tonga in various villages and the communities to pursue their career, put a focus to be more concentrate on their targets or their aims, to move forward with it."
Pita Taufatofua has indicated he wants to continue competing in taekwondo and to represent Tonga at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.