Judo raises the profile of Tonga and its sports people [1]
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - 18:50. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Heimuli Faka'osi (blue) in action at the Judo World Cup 2005
The outcome of the Oceania Judo Union Championship and the Oceania Judo Union Congress that was held in Cairns, Australia at the end of April raised the profile of Tonga and its sports people, said Lennie Niit, the new president of the Oceania Judo Union and one of the vice presidents of the International Judo Federation.
Heimuli Faka'osi did not qualify to compete at the London Olympic, but Linnie Niit, the president of the Tonga Judo Association was made the president of the Oceania Judo Union and one of the Vice Presidents of the International Judo Federation.
Tonga's hope of securing a place at the London Olympic did not materialize after Heimuli Faka'osi came in 5th place, in the Men - 90kg category at the Oceania Judo Union Championships.
Tonga Judo’s last Olympic entry was in 2004 Athens with Mr. Akapei Latu.
Linnie, however was optimistic about the future of Tonga Judo and that the 2012 Oceania Judo Union Championships and Congress marked the start of a new era for Tonga Judo.
Lennie, the President of the Tonga Judo Association was elected as the new Oceania Judo Union President, during the Oceania Judo Union Congress that was held in Cairns, Australia on April 26. As President of Oceania Judo Union Lennie also became one of the five Vice Presidents of the International Judo Federation, the body that regulates judo world-wide and assists with the presentation of Judo at the Olympic Games.
Lennie believed that his election as the president of the Oceania Judo Union and one of the vice presidents of the International Judo Federation raised the profile of Tonga and its sports people, "and will assist in bringing much needed attention and support for our youngsters in sport."
He also announced that the judo dojo of more than 600 square meter at Haveluloto will be converted into a youth and sports center.