All set for Mombasa Open International tournament

Participants train at Aga Khan Academy arena on Saturday ahead of the 2024 Mombasa Open International Tong Il Moo Do Championship. [Kenya Tong Il Moo Do Federation]

The United States of America and Nigeria are in Mombasa beaming with confidence ahead of the Mombasa Open International Tong Il Moo Do Championship.

The two foreign countries joined Turkey and Indian players who jetted into the country last Thursday ready for the competition whose kick off dates were pushed to August 31-September 1 due to delay in release of funds by the government. 

The annual event will start with a training session conducted by the World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation President, Grandmaster Takamitsu Hoshiko, Master Leo Carumba from Korea and assisted by Kenya’s Master Ibrahim Mchumba.

“We have goodwill from the new Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen who pledged to support the event whose climax will be on Saturday and Sunday at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa,” said the Kenya Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Clarence Mwakio after a meeting with the newly appointed Sports CS.

“The competition was to run till August 28 but we have added four more days.”

Kenya retained the overall title for the 11th year running last year with 191 medals. The medals included 46 gold, 42 silver and 93 bronze.

Mwakio, who is also the President of the Africa Tong Il Moo Do Federation, said players will be engaged in various activities before the climax of the event on Saturday.

He said the competition is also set to boost local tourism at the coast.

“We have put everything in order to ensure the competition is successful. We are happy because this is a boost to local tourism as the players and officials are booked in Mombasa hotels, and will also visit some of the historical sites,” said Mwakio.

Kenya, who are 11-time defending champions, are gearing to defend its title but fierce battle is expected from Philippines who pose a major threat to the Kenyan Jasiri team.

Mwakio said the athletes will take part in sparring, forms and special techniques.

“We expect to see powerful punches and kicks as players try to outdo each other in sparring, forms and special techniques,” said Mwakio.

There will be several categories for both juniors and seniors aged between five and 55 years.