Preparations for the 12th edition of the Mombasa open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championships are in high gear with international teams streaming into the port City for the annual contest.
This year’s competition has attracted twenty-seven teams from Asia, the USA, and Africa most of which have been a regular feature since the inception of the tournament 11 years ago.
The Kenyan national team “Jasiri” has been in camp for the last two weeks and has exuded confidence in clinching the top prize when the games officially kick off on 31st August 2024.
A few challenges have been witnessed with funding being the major drawback. Meanwhile, Jasiri team Captain and Assistant Secretary General of the Kenya Tong Il Moo-do federation Elvis Malipe said the 12th edition will feature 70 Kenyan players, the biggest number yet in the competition.
He added that the dates of the tourney have been adjusted due to the funding constraints which the government through the Ministry of Sports fund kitty have committed to resolve to kick start the event.
“The federation has adjusted the dates of the competition to 31st August as we anticipate funding from the Ministry. This will facilitate the entry of key officials and equipment that are necessary for the competition to run smoothly,” said Malipe.
Co-president of the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation Takamitsu Hoshiko said that the Mombasa edition of the tournament will play a pivotal role in taking the sport to the Olympics.
He added that the support from the government over the last decade has been the key to the success the competitions have witnessed.
“Through the support of the government to the Mombasa edition, Tong-Il Moo-do’s goal is to make it to the Olympic Games and this edition will be the stepping stone to achieve this feat,” said Hoshiko.
By Andrew Hinga
