Team Fiji’s campaign at the 2026 Oceania Judo Championships in Melbourne was not only about competing at the continental level, but also a crucial step in Fiji Judo’s qualification and selection pathway toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The nine-member Fiji delegation, consisting of five men and four women, used the championships as a major opportunity to gain international exposure, improve world rankings, and strengthen their chances of Commonwealth Games selection.
The tournament also provided valuable ranking points and experience against high-level opposition, both of which are important factors in preparing athletes for Glasgow 2026.
Preparation for the championships was extensive and strategically designed around the build-up to Glasgow.
Alongside competing at the Oceania Championships, the team also participated in the Melbourne International Open, international training camps, and elite sparring sessions to help athletes adapt to the intensity and standards of international competition expected at the Commonwealth Games.
Officials said the preparations involved months of co-ordination, including travel arrangements, athlete training schedules, and securing International Judo Federation-approved equipment to ensure the team was fully prepared for international competition.
One of the highlights of the preparation program was a three-week training camp in Japan in December 2025.
The camp provided athletes with high-performance training opportunities and valuable exposure against experienced international judokas, helping sharpen their technical and tactical abilities ahead of important qualification events leading into Glasgow 2026.
Following their arrival in Melbourne, Team Fiji continued preparations at the International Training Camp hosted at the Combat AUS National Performance Centre.
The squad also trained with Seishin Academy under Coach Ivo Dos Santos and with Taketani Judo Academy under coaches Nao Taketani and Will Tai Tin in the lead-up to the championships.
Fiji Judo acknowledged that the sport is still rebuilding after the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted athlete development pathways and resulted in the loss of an important generation of competitors.
Missing the 2023 Pacific Games also added to the challenges of rebuilding the national program.
In response, the association has increased its focus on strengthening development programs at cadet and junior levels while maintaining a competitive senior squad capable of qualifying and performing at major international events such as the Oceania Championships and this year’s Commonwealth Games.
The Oceania Championships remains a critical event in Fiji’s pathway to Glasgow 2026, as performances at the tournament help athletes improve international rankings, gain exposure, and position themselves for future qualification opportunities through International Judo Federation competitions and continental events.
For Fiji’s younger judokas, the tournament also served as an important stepping stone toward future international competitions, including the 2027 Oceania Championships, the Tahiti Pacific Games, Continental Opens, and eventually the IJF World Judo Tour.
Among the standout performers in Melbourne was young judoka Noelle Veu, who competed across four separate events during the tour, the Melbourne International Open, the Oceania Junior Championships, the Oceania Senior Championships, and a special team event against the Australian Defence Force.
Officials noted her steady improvement throughout the campaign and highlighted the positive impact of both the Japan training camp and the additional preparation opportunities in Melbourne.
The Fiji delegation was led by Fiji Judo’s President, Tiko Weleilakeba, who also attended the Oceania Judo Union workshop during the tour, while coaching responsibilities were handled by Nemani Takayawa throughout the competition.
The association also acknowledged the major contribution of Vice President Lily Traill, who played an important role in co-ordinating fundraising efforts, visa applications, logistics, and overall planning for the campaign.
Fiji Judo further thanked the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee for its continued support toward athlete development and youth leadership initiatives in sport.
Officials said participation in events such as the Oceania Championships was essential for Fiji’s long-term sporting growth, particularly as the country works toward strengthening its international competitiveness and finalising athlete selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
