Why Kenya risks losing Mombasa Open hosting rights in 2023

World Tong Il Moo Do president Takamitsu Hoshiko (left) and Kenya's captain Elvis Malipe in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

It is hoped that the Kenyan government will clean up its image on time to avoid the country from being denied the rights of hosting the 2023 Mombasa Open Tong Il Moo Do Championships.

Concerns over lack of government's funding emerged during the 10th edition of the global event that concluded on Tuesday night at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

World Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Master Takamitsu Hoshiko, who has been in Mombasa for the past 10 days to oversee the hosting of the tournament that attracted 11 countries, raised concern over lack of government's input in the competition.

"Maybe we should move the event to another country with solid government support," said Hoshiko.

Earlier before the start of the tournament, Hoshiko had praised the Kenyan government over its support to the sport since 2013.

"I have been attending the Mombasa open championships since its inception in 2013 and the growth of the sport is noticeable in the country," said Hoshiko in an earlier interview.

He said Kenya's national team Jasiri has become one of the powerhouses globally through the support from the government.

On his part, Kenya Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Master Clarence Mwakio said the team has consistently been hauling medals in both local and international tournaments.

"Kenya once again showed her prowess by retaining the overall title at the 2022 tournament," said Mwakio. [Ernest Ndunda]