BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Three of Solomon Islands’ top taekwondo athletes will carry the nation’s hopes onto the regional stage this weekend, with a clear focus on building international ranking points and momentum towards future major events.
Nicholas Sulumae, Erika Jean and Fred Valentina have been named to represent the country at the 2026 Oceania Taekwondo Championships in Sydney from March 28–29, competing in the senior division.
The trio’s selection highlights Solomon Islands’ continued push to strengthen its presence in high-performance combat sports, with the tournament offering valuable world ranking points in a G4 event.
Head Coach Junior Maetia said the team is well-prepared after months of consistent training.
“We have been training consistently since last year, with only a short break over Christmas and New Year. The team is ready, and I feel positive that we can perform well.
“The athletes are prepared to take on this challenge again after competing in major events like the Pacific Games, Olympic qualifiers and World Championships,” Maetia said.
Despite confidence in his squad, Maetia stressed the importance of maintaining focus and respect for their regional rivals.
“We are expecting good results, but we do not underestimate other Pacific countries. Every competition is a challenge, and we will approach it with focus and determination,” he said.
The Oceania Championships form a key part of the athletes’ long-term pathway, with points earned contributing to qualification prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 Pacific Games.
“This is a G4 event, which means valuable ranking points are at stake. It is very important for our athletes as it contributes to their world ranking and preparation towards the 2028 Olympic Games,” Maetia added.
Support from the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport has played a critical role in the team’s build-up, particularly in physical conditioning and recovery.
SINIS Performance Manager for Combat and Weight Sports, Zanetana Djokovic, said preparations have been thorough.
“Our support has focused on ensuring the athletes are physically and mentally ready to compete at this level.
“We have worked on strength and conditioning, recovery and injury management to build a solid physical foundation that complements their technical training,” Djokovic said.
He added that fine margins at the Oceania level demand peak performance.
“At this level, the margins are small, so athletes need to be in peak condition. Keeping them healthy, consistent and in the right mindset has been critical throughout preparation,” Djokovic said.
The team is expected to depart today, backed by support from the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands and the National Sports Council.
Their participation not only reflects individual ambition but also signals the country’s growing commitment to elevating taekwondo on the regional and international stage.
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