Tonga’s Paula Monta (20) secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Oceania Judo Championships, at the MSAC Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday, 19 April.

As Tonga’s sole competitor, Monta delivered a strong performance in the Senior Men’s +100kg division, standing out among a small but competitive field of eight fighters. 

Athletes from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Fiji, and Tonga contested the heavyweight category.

This year’s championships marked the return of the regional event after a long hiatus, with the last Oceania Judo Championships held in 2018. 

Tonga Judo Association President Finetu’ui Moala highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting both the gap between competitions and the level of competition faced.

Monta previously competed for New Zealand but represented Tonga at this year’s championships.

His bronze medal finish was an achievement for Tonga on the Oceania stage.