Kenya rattles rivals on final day of Mombasa Open tournament

Reymar Poais [in blue cap] of Philippines fights with Edwin Mzungu of Best Kichers Club in Kenya 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 pushed their medal tally to 30 at this year’s Mombasa Open international Tong Il Moo Do, at Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

Team Jasiri, which is coached by Ibrahim Mchumba, dominated most of the junior events before sharing the senior categories with their rivals Philippine. Kenya had nine silver and 15 bronze medals to their credit.

Philippine were second with 12 medals that included six gold, four silver and two bronze medals while Burkina Faso occupied the third slot with two gold and one bronze. Angola had two gold to settle for fourth position.

In the men’s advance category, Kenya’s Junsu Juma defended his title for the third year running after bagging 9.132 points.

“I had prepared well for the battle although I faced stiff challenge this time round from my Zambian opponent Michael Zulu,” said Juma, who has won the crown since 2019.

Zulu bagged silver with 9.066 points while Reymark Bais of Philippines had 9.033 points for the bronze medal.

In the novice bracket A category, Kenyans dominated the group after claiming the top five positions. Joseph Mwarando won gold with Teddy Owino and Samson Mambo settling for the silver and bronze respectively.

Kenyan girl Sachiko Khalise won gold in the Kids Bon category with 8.3 points.

“It was a well fought tournament. I am happy to be the winner,” said Khalise.