Vanuatu’s judo athletes are set to gain a permanent training home next month, ending 15 years of moving between temporary venues.

The Vanuatu Judo Federation plans to officially open its new dojo on 18 July, following support from the French Embassy and the Japanese Embassy in Port Vila.

The new facility comes after years of challenges for the federation, including its relocation from Ex-FOL following the 2024 earthquake. Since then, athletes have been training in a smaller space along the road to Pango Village.

Vice President of the Vanuatu Judo Federation, Nazario Fiakaifonu, described the new dojo as a major milestone for the sport.

“One good piece of news for the Judo Federation is the construction of our new dojo. For the last 15 years we have moved between different locations and trained in very small spaces, but we continued because we love the sport and representing Vanuatu,” Fiakaifonu said.

He said the new facility will provide a better environment for training future athletes and national representatives.

“This new dojo will give us the opportunity to train more judokas who can go on to represent Vanuatu at international competitions,” he said.

The federation is currently preparing three young athletes to represent Vanuatu at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The new dojo is being constructed at the Tennis Club near Korman Stadium and is expected to be completed ahead of its planned opening next month.

Federation officials say the location will also make training more accessible and reduce transport costs for athletes who previously travelled long distances to attend sessions.