The 12th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship has kicked off in the port city after a two-year break.
Speaking to journalists at the Aga Khan Hall, Kenya Tong-il Moo-Do Federation President Master Clarence Mwakio expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, saying that it took concerted efforts from the government and key stakeholders to materialise the international tourney.
“As a Federation, we would like to thank the government and the Cabinet Secretary for sports Salim Mvurya in particular, who made this event possible after a long wait,” said Master Mwakio.
Master Mwakio added that close to 50 countries had confirmed participation, but due to logistical hitches and travel constraints, the number of international actors is expected to be lower than initially anticipated.
He further stated that extensive lobbying was done to ensure young Kenyan fighters from all cadres can participate in and be exposed to attending a sport competition at an international level.
To this effect, Master Mwakio revealed that the 37 academies have so far been established across the counties to nurture and develop the sport in the country.
World Tong-il Moo-Do Federation President Grandmaster Tokamitso Hoshiko thanked Kenya for hosting the Championship with great conviction that the sport will feature in the Olympic games.
“All the preparations that have been made should be connected and aimed at ultimately taking the sport to the Olympic Games. That is why we want to nurture a future of young people who will bring prosperity to Kenya,” said Grand Master Hoshiko.
By Andrew Hinga
