• MARTIAL ARTS

• Frank Rotich 13 hrs ago

‎Olympic dream shines as Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do Championship begins

The dream of seeing Tong-Il Moo-Do on the Olympic stage took centre stage on Friday as the 12th Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship officially kicked off in Mombasa.

‎‎The colourful opening ceremony was held at the Aga Khan Academy, drawing athletes, officials and fans from Kenya and different parts of the world.

Calls for the fast-growing martial art to be included in the Olympic Games dominated the event.

‎‎Kenya and Africa Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President, Master Clarence Mwakio, welcomed the teams and thanked the Government of Kenya for supporting the return of the sport after nearly two years of inactivity.

“This championship has taken a long time to come back. We waited for more than 23 months, but with the support of the government, we are now back on track,” said Mwakio.

‎‎He also praised Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya for playing a key role in reviving the federation and helping Kenya host the international event once again.

“We are grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, for saving the federation from a ban and ensuring this championship returned to Kenya. This is a historic moment for the sport,” he added.

‎‎More than 50 countries had initially confirmed participation, but travel and logistical challenges reduced the number of teams arriving early. Organisers, however, remain confident that more nations will be in the country for the competition.

“Some teams faced flight delays and travel challenges, but by December 21, all the teams will be here, and the championship will be even bigger,” Master Mwakio said.

‎‎World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President, Grandmaster Takamitsu Hoshiko, also thanked the Kenyan government for its continued support, saying it has been key to keeping the sport alive internationally.

“Without the support of the Government of Kenya, we would not have hosted this tournament for the past three years. We are very grateful,” said Hoshiko.

‎‎He praised Mombasa’s hospitality and said the city is gaining global recognition through sports.

“Mombasa is a beautiful city, and through sports, it is becoming known around the world. Clarence is doing a great job in making this place a special sporting destination,” he said.

‎‎Hoshiko stressed that developing young athletes remains central to the sport’s Olympic ambitions.

“Our focus is on young people because they are the future. Our main goal is to see Tong-Il Moo-Do in the Olympic Games, and everything we are doing is aimed at achieving that dream,” he said.

‎‎Vanuatu was among the first countries to arrive for the championship, with more teams expected to land in Mombasa.

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‎The championship runs until December 23, with Kenya’s Team Jasiri aiming to defend their title on home soil.