Day One Delivers as Rising Stars Shine at Oceania Junior Championships

The Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre was alight with players from across the Oceania region, playing their first round of matches of the 2026 Oceania Junior Championships.

With World Junior Championships spots on line for U19 Australian hopefuls, Eden Alma Poulava (NSW) is among the rising talents looking to have an impact at the tournament.

Poulava progressed through to the U19 Girls quarterfinals following the first day’s action.

“It’s been pretty good. I was pumped for my matches today,” she said.

“A lot of the players in the Oceania Junior Championships are the same from the Australian Junior Open so it’s like a redemption round I guess.”

Poulava is enjoying the experience of playing squash at this level.

“I’m just really passionate about the sport. It’s a good game and we know heaps of people and it’s a good social game as well.”

The tournament features players from around eight different countries in the region, including New Zealand.

Animaia Payne (NZL) is embracing the experience that the Oceania Junior Championships is offering.

“It’s quite competitive, but it’s just about experience this year as it’s my first year in U15s,” she said.

With major events like this bringing the international squash community together, Payne is enjoying making new connections.

“I just like bonding with people. You make so many new relationships with everyone. It’s just so fun.”

Jasper Tapley (WA) is nine-years old competing at OJC for the first time. He likes the challenge of being able to compete against players in the U11 Boys who may be a bit older.

“I’m having lots of fun and I’m getting to learn how to travel and play. I’m hoping to pick up some new skills,” he said.

“It’s one of the healthiest sports in the world. We get fit and it’s fun.”

When it comes to goals in the sport, Tapley knows exactly what he would like to achieve.

“My mum was a PSA player and I want to be a top 20 player in the world,” he said.

With the first round matches complete, attention shifts to quarterfinals and semi finals matches taking place from 8am AEST Saturday morning.

To see the 2026 Oceania Junior Championships draw and results from day one, click here.

To watch replays of today’s matches, click here.