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• Sportsbeat Correspondent 5 months ago

Mombasa ready to host athletes from over 50 countries in Tong Il Moo Do Championships

Up to 50 countries will gather in Mombasa from December 19–21 for the Mombasa Open Tong Il Moo Do Championships, marking the sport’s major return after a one-year break.

The coastal city is preparing to host one of the biggest Tong Il Moo Do events in the world as 50 nations have confirmed participation in this year’s Mombasa Open Championships.

Kenya Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Clarence Mwakio said the country is ready to welcome hundreds of athletes, officials, and delegates.

Traditional rivals such as the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, India, and Iran will be among the strong teams expected.

“The stage is set. We are excited to host up to 50 countries this year,” Mwakio said. “Korea, Japan, USA, Thailand, Paraguay, Philippines, Turkey, Brazil, India, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Iran, DRC, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Argentina, and Nigeria are all expected to attend.”

He added that preparations are running smoothly, with teams working day and night to deliver a world-class event.

Organisers have already inspected the main venue at the Aga Khan Academy Multipurpose Hall and say it is ready for action.

Mwakio also confirmed that the federation has coordinated with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe championship for visiting and local teams.

The competition was initially planned for August last year but was pushed to December after funding challenges. The delay also led to Kenya being suspended by the World Tong Il Moo Do Federation.

However, the suspension has now been lifted. A Kenyan delegation traveled to Seoul, South Korea earlier this year to explain the situation and seek reinstatement.

“Our mission was to present our case and show our commitment,” Mwakio said. “We are happy to report that the ban was lifted, and we can now move forward.”

Kenya will be aiming to defend its strong record in the championship, having dominated medal standings across the previous 11 editions.

As the countdown begins, all eyes are now on Mombasa, where the world of Tong Il Moo Do will meet once again.