It was another day of medal haul as the national team Jasiri remained favourites to clinch the Mombasa Open Tong-Il-Moo-Do International Championship title for a record 11th year in a row.
Mombasa’s Aga Khan Academy sports complex was the venue for Jasiri to impress in both individual forms and sparring categories, bagging 24 medals in day three-the final day-of the event.
As the clock ticked to the event’s climax, it was clear evidence that Kenya was on the verge of retaining the overall title going by the day one and two results.
Kenya had bagged 24 medals to stay ahead with eight gold, five silver and 11 bronze. India were second with one gold while Iran and Zambia tied in the third position with a silver medal each.
Day One started with a lot of enthusiasm with Kenyan youngsters moving the crowd with their exceptional skills that saw Kenyan Joseph Daud garner (9.00 points) followed by Trevor Wanjiku (8.60 points) and Mohammed Shaban (8.90 points) in the Under 19 years’ category.
The team coached by Elvis Malipe continued to exert good results when Jambia Ali (6.30 points) emerged third followed by Harrington Wanjala (5.80 points) and Sudi Mohammed (5.00 points) took the stage with action.
The championship with participants from around the world was to conclude last night (Tuesday) with winners bagging gold, silver and broze medals awarded in accordance with the sport guidelines in the presence of World Tong Il Moo Do president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko.
Kenya Tong Il Moo Do president Master Clarence Mwakio expressed his optimism that the sport will continue to grow and get much recognition by different governments globally. “We are happy to have athletes from different countries. We began well and the competition and we hope it will conclude successfully,” said Mwakio.
Mwakio hinted at a plan to have the winners of the national team awarded special awards by the government for their exemplary performance apart from usual medal awards. He thanked the government for the support and applauded the media for their continued support to publicise the tournament globally.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, Hoshiko said the sport which has been gaining popularity globally is significant to inspire peace and harmony across the continents.
“It’s a very timing tournament, we have just concluded the 60th celebration of the independence of Kenya, so it is very important because we want to support the youth to inspire unity for purpose and send the message to Africa and the world that the sport unites the globe,” said Hoshiko.
