The 12th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship, slated for August 24 to 28, has been pushed forward by a week due to delays in government funding.
The new dates released by the Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Moo-Do Federation now mean that the championships will run up to September 1, with competitions beginning on August 31.
In a statement to media houses, the federation president, Clarence Mwakio, expressed optimism about a breakthrough after meeting the cabinet secretary for sports, Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi.
“We have engaged the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, and we are optimistic that he will intervene to inspire our athletes to win more medals for the country this year,” Master Mwakio said.
He added, “We have goodwill from the new CS, and we believe we shall have a way forward on Monday.”
Despite the delays witnessed, several international teams have arrived in the country ready for the tournament.
They include India, Pakistan, Turkey, Nigeria, and the USA. More countries are expected next week as 27 nations have confirmed attendance.
The teams on Saturday took part in an international Seminar at the Agha Khan Gymnasium in Mombasa that was graced by the World Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko.
Hoshiko hailed Kenya’s commitment to the growth of the sport, saying it adds much value to their strides toward inclusion of the sport in future Olympic Games.
“Without support from the Kenyan government, we couldn’t have this tournament.”
“Our sole goal as a federation is to go to the Olympics, and the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship is an important stepping stone for us to realise this,” said Master Hoshiko.
Earlier on, there were uncertainties on whether Kenya would host the event due to back-and-forth issues witnessed between the federation and some ministry officials.
However, the federation remains hopeful of staging a world-class event.
The Kenya national team ‘Jasiri’, which has been in the camp remained hopeful of retaining the championship’s title for a record 12th time in a row.
“We are ready for the championships, and we hope to defend our title,” Jasiri captain Elvis Malipe said.
Jasiri coach Ibrahim Chumba said his team is ready, adding that Kenya will field 70 participants.
Chumba said that the team has been training well despite the challenges in funding.
“The team is in good spirits, and we thank the federation for the efforts made. We are ready to defend our title, and we call on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to cheer the team,” said Chumba.
