The most recent Oceania championships was held in Noumea, New Caledonia, in 2018, before the OJU connected with the Judo Union of Asia (JUA) to form the Asia-Oceania ontinental championships. This event was held in 2019 and 2021 and was instrumental in the qualification process for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
After the Tokyo Olympic Games, the OJU amalgamated with the Pan-American Judo Confederation (PJC) to form the Pan-America and Oceania championships which were held from 2022 until the most recent edition in Lima this year.
The OJU’s media release stated, “The IJF has expressed full confidence in the leadership and capability of our executive committee to deliver this initiative. We are grateful for their support and alignment as we enter this new chapter together.”
Speaking to the benefit this would bring the region, president of the OJU Kate Corkery shared her excitement for the region’s athletes as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and of course the home Games that the region will enjoy in Brisbane in 2032. Corkery shared her gratitude to president of the PJC Mr Carlos Zegarra Presser and the entire union for the support and inclusion of the OJU, its athletes, officials and referees.
Importantly, the OJU believes the reclamation of this event is an important step in developing judo in the region, to enhance the ability of National Olympic Committee’s (NOC) to allocate further funding and access engagement opportunities.
The development of the region, its growing depth and strength of performance has been on display in 2025, with Australia’s Aoife Coughlan finishing 5th at the OTP Bank World Senior Championships in Budapest this year, and the recent impressive performance from New Zealand’s Sydnee Andrews who claimed the gold medal at the Tallinn European Open in July.