Perth’s Gold Netball Centre repurposed for international judo competitions

Perth’s Gold Netball Centre is being repurposed for their hosting of the 2019 Judo Oceania Open and Oceania Cup. Proudly hosted by Judo WA and Judo Australia, more than 500 competitors from 82 nations will be competing at 2019 Judo Oceania Open and Oceania Cup. Many of them will be using the event to gain points for Olympic selection for Tokyo 2020.

The 2019 Oceania Open will be largest and highest-calibre judo event to ever be held in Australia, surpassing even the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Excluding the world championships, this makes the competition the ninth largest senior event in the world this year in athlete numbers and fifth largest in countries represented.

Judo has the second highest participation rate in the world after football and some of the world’s best judokas (the description for someone practicing or competing in judo) will be taking to the mats from 2nd to 4th November at the Gold Netball Centre in Jolimont.

Competitors over the four days include the world’s most successful judoka, 10-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist, France’s Teddy Riner who has recently returned to competition with a view to winning an Olympic place next year.

Judo Australia director Simon Read  advised: “This weekend of judo is an exciting opportunity for Western Australians to see some of the top judokas from around the world. Not only is it a showcase for judo, but a great showcase and cultural exchange for Western Australia having so many international athletes and officials here.”

As well as an Australian team of 33, Read also noted that judokas will be coming from countries such Vanuatu, Cameroon, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Iceland, Columbia, Yemen, Egypt, Portugal, Germany, Peru, Denmark, Mongolia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Israel, Great Britain and Haiti. 

“It’s also the perfect chance for Perth families to learn what judo is all about. Not only does judo have an excellent moral code, it also teaches you how to manage stress and adapt to different situations.

“We believe it’s a sport for life which gives you excellent tools which go beyond the mat.”

Perth heroes competing are Calvin Knoester, Jacob Read and Maria Swan.

The November event is divided into two sessions – Oceania Cup on 2nd November (cadets and juniors) and the Oceania Open (seniors) on 3rd and 4th November.

Spectators are encouraged at the event. Entry is free on Saturday and tickets for Sunday start from $10. Events start at 10am.

The LiveLighter Judo WA International Open is on 9th and 10th November at the Gold Netball Centre.