Kenyans make it nine wins on the trot in martial arts tourney

Jinnefer Bertulfo of Philippines performs special technique during Mombasa open Tong--lL Moo--Do international Martial arts championship held at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa. Over 20 Countries are Participating in the event. 19th December 2021.[Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Kenya successfully retained the Mombasa Open International Tong Il Moo Do overall title after bagging 128 medals during the event that ended on Sunday night at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

The medal haul was the highest since the inception of the tournament nine years ago. In 2020, Kenya won 104 medals that included 32 gold, 31 silver and 41 bronze.

On Sunday, Kenya improved her medal tally that included 39 gold, 33 silver and 56 bronze medals.

World champions Philippine, who paraded a strong team of 18 players, were second with 19 gold, 19 silver and seven bronze.

African countries proved to be strong squads after Democratic Republic of Congo finished third with 12 gold, five silver and 10 bronze medals, while Zambia were fourth with two gold, two silver and five bronze medals.

Ivory Coast were third with two gold, one silver and two bronze. Burkina Faso, who made their debut at the tournament, were sixth with two gold and one silver. Angola bagged two gold medals.  

In the girls' individual bon division, Precious Maya won gold with 8.8 points while another Kenyan Hope Jepkoech bagged silver after garnering 8.0 points.

In sparring, Kenya’s Edwin Musungu continued with his well-coordinated punches and kicks to add another gold medal in fly weight A category with 6.0 points. Reymark Bais of Philippine settled for the silver, while Festus Baraka gave Kenya a bronze medal.

In kids 3 category, Joseph Climate won gold with 8.0 points while Mark Wafula and Faris Luvembe settled for silver and bronze for a clean sweep for the home boys.

Anthony Wafula finished sixth in men’s advance bracket A category.