Twenty five countries set for Mombasa Open

Tonny Kabochi from Moi University displays personal katas during the Kenya Tong-il Moo-do club championship at the Mama Ngina Drive April 30, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Three foreign countries are expected to arrive today ahead of Saturday’s Mombasa Open international Tong-Il Moo-Do tournament.

Japan, South Korea and Tanzania will arrive today in time for the tournament that has attracted 25 countries.

Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation chairman Master Clarence Mwakio said other teams are expected on Thursday.

“All preparations are in top gear and we are looking ahead to a competitive tournament,” said Mwakio.

Mwakio added that they will have an international workshop today afternoon, before the players resume with their training tomorrow along the Diani beach in South Coast.

There will be a public demonstration at Mama Ngina Drive on Thursday before weighing in on Friday. The tournament will begin on Saturday and end on Sunday at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

Other countries expected are Thailand, United States of America, United Kingdom, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Nepal, the Philippines, and Republic of the Congo.

Uganda, South Africa, Netherlands, Benin, Iran, Germany, Mali, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Argentina and Turkey will also take part.

Mwakio said the players will participate in sparring, forms and special techniques, adding that the event is open to players aged between eight and 55 years.

Team Kenya is camping at the Dog Station Unit, Mombasa as they seek to defend the overall title for the sixth consecutive year.

In last year’s event, Kenya won 75 medals, which included 23 gold, 22 silver and 30 bronze.