Preparations are in high gear for the organization of the 12th Edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL-Moo-Doo International Martial Arts Championship 2024.
Tong-IL-Moo-Doo is a Korean self-defense style which integrates techniques from different martial arts styles. The Championship will be held at the Aga Khan Academy from 15th to 28th August.
Kenya Tong-IL-Moo-Do Federation Chairman Clarence Mwakio says that over 25 countries were expected to grace the championship showing the significance of the sport that has grown over the years.
Among the new entrants are Germany, Finland, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Other notable countries that are planning to come are South Korea, Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Vanuatu, United States of America, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire among others.
“We have had a very steady trajectory which is very visible in the number of countries intending to come to Kenya. The past countries which have attended this event and the interests in the countries that are visiting and their governments,” said Mwakio at his TSS Office, Mombasa.
The Kenya team- the defending champions have been preparing for the championship and will soon get into an indoor camp for final preparations.
The federation appeals to the government to support their campaign to participate in the Olympics by assisting the expansion of the sport in Africa to get to the level of making their final bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the sport to be accepted.
“Tong-Il Moo-Do is making strides to get into the Olympics and going by previous performance of Team Kenya ‘Jasiri’, we hope and believe that by the time Tong-Il Moo-Do Kenya gets to the Olympics, we will be able to add more medals into the Kenya basket,”
They thanked the State for the support in organizing the championship over the years and called for support to this year’s edition including taking care of Team Kenya.
“We have also made contact with the County Government of Mombasa. We believe this year we will be in a position to partner with them. The event is happening in their city and it’s our hope that when the County comes on board, we will be able to make the event much bigger,” stated the Chairman.
“The main target of Mombasa open is to have as many visitors come to Mombasa for two weeks to boost tourism,” he added.
By Sadik Hassan
