Tahiti, February 19, 2026 – New Zealand hosted this year, from February 8 to 15, the Oceania badminton tournament. A real test for our badminton players, who faced their future opponents for the next Pacific Games, this competition confirmed the very good level of Polynesian badminton since the women’s and men’s teams won bronze.
It was a date marked in the Tahiti Badminton Federation calendar. These Oceania 2026, which took place from February 8 to 15 in New Zealand, came at the right time in the path that will lead President Nicolas Mouret’s players towards the 2027 Pacific Games. “It was a real test for us. We had to participate in this competition because our future opponents to go for the gold medal in Tahiti were present. New Caledonia, the Cook Islands and the Mariana Islands are serious future candidates for final victory at the Games and it was important that we could see our level against them.”
Because even if the Australian and New Zealand ogres were also present, their delegations for the next Games will not be the most competitive. “They will only come with developing players, which leaves more opportunities for us, even if they will still be very good bad players.” While waiting for 2027, these Oceanias allowed the largest delegation ever sent to an international competition to express themselves. Thirty people were present, with an U17 team, a men’s team, a women’s team and referees in training for the Games. “It was a heavy trip to organize. We also brought our athletes who play in China and France. But it was worth it because we were able to see everyone in a format that they are not used to practicing. Normally, whether at home or in France, the tournaments last two days, whereas at the Games or Oceania, they take place over five days, which does not involve the same management”confided the president.
On the way to 2027
With two bronze medals on the clock, the Tahitian delegation proved that they could be counted on. Its selection path is well established and the federation is ready to attack this final stretch. “We know that we need to participate in more international tournaments if we want to perform well for the Games because it is in these events that we can progress, thanks to the opposition but also to the format.” With six male and six female athletes to be selected, the competition will be tough as anyone can apply. “The only thing that can prevent selection is ineligibility. You must have a minimum of five years of residence in the territory. Apart from that, regardless of age, only performance and level will count. Our players have been under contract since 2024 so that they have objectives to respect. We will renew them at the end of July, beginning of August. This will allow us to have a squad of around ten boys and around ten girls who will train for the Games, and the final selection will be made after the Oceania 2027, at the end of March.”
It is therefore a big year that awaits the contenders for the selection because certain events will be decisive for the final list. “In our selection criteria, there will be two competitions that will count. The athletes who will be qualified for the French championships will be automatically selected, as will those who will have medals at the next Oceania.
With the presence of its best athletes, Polynesian badminton will be one of the main providers of medals for the 2027 Games.
