Liti, who lifted 403 kilograms to win weightlifting gold in the over 105kg class at the Games here, was given the award by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin at the Closing Ceremony.

Liti was chosen because of his sporting attitude towards Samoan rival Lautiti Lui, who was attempting 228kg when he fell backwards clutching his knee.

Medics then took Lui, who eventually claimed silver, from the stage in a wheelchair.

Lui appeared at the presentation ceremony in the chair and Liti congratulated him before helping him from the stage.

Liti had been a charismatic figure throughout the competition and even blew a kiss to the judges after lifting 229kg in the clean and jerk.

"I didn't really expect the gold medal, so I'm really proud," the 21-year-old New Zealander said.

"This is my first Commonwealth Games, so I told myself to go have fun. 

"Whether you win or lose, you're still alright."

Liti added: "I'm not an aggressive person. 

"I'm a calm guy. 

"I go with the flow and I don't want to disturb the peace."

Liti had been chosen by a panel comprising the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission. 

Each competing nation was permitted to nominate one athlete for the award.

"Yes you can win a medal but you don’t have to win a medal to win the award," Martin had told insidethegames before the Closing Ceremony.

"What it is, is using the values of humanity equality and destiny."

Liti is the first New Zealander to win an award which was introduced at Manchester in 2002 to recognise the contribution of the late David Dixon, honorary secretary of the CGF from 1982 to 1999.

His actions have echoes of another episode with a New Zealander when Nikki Hamblin helped her American rival Abbey D'Agostino after both fell during a 5,000 metres heat at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Hamblin waited at the finish to make sure that DÁgostino was properly cared for by medics.