Tonga will host the Oceania Judo Championships for the first time over two days on 28-29 April at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium.

Around 131 athletes from 12 countries have registered to take part in the competition and will look to improve their world ranking points.

At a press conference held today, Tonga's Judo Committee confirmed four young Tongans, Sailosi Fua, Finetuui Moala, Fugalaau Mafi and Ineti Felemi will participate in the Mens +100kg and Womens +78kg competitions respectively.

The Championship starts at 9:00am on Friday, 28 April with the Senior Men and Women fighting it out to medal matches in the afternoon at 2:00pm onwards.

On Saturday, 29 April, the Cadets and Juniors will compete from 9:00am with medal matches starting at 2:00pm onwards.

The event is free to the public over the two days and is expected to attract around 180-200 overseas visitors.

The Tonga Judo Association is looking to host an international judo event annually from 2018 onwards.

They hope this event will be the catalyst Tonga needs to host more similar high level international sporting events especially in the lead up to the 2019 Pacific Games.

Countries taking part include Australia, Fiji, Guam, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.