Tong-IL Moo-Do Mombasa Open in jeopardy over lack of government funding

Tong-IL Moo-Do Kenya President Clarence Mwakio is calling on the government to step in and sponsor this year’s Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship, set to be held at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Mwakio said the 12th edition of the championship, expected to start proper on Friday, August 23 to 25, 2024, is facing massive financial constraints hence urging the Ministry of Sports to intervene and provide the funds to ensure the competition kicks off on time.

He said the federation will be forced to cancel the competition if the funds are not availed by Thursday, which might lead to a ban.

“We are requesting the government to come to the rescue of the event that has been successful in all the 11 editions that have taken place in the country it is something that have done that before and I believe the new sports Cs will understand our need,” said Mwakio.

Turkey and India were the first teams out of the confirmed 26 teams to arrive in the country on Wednesday, with Mwakio saying other countries like Nigeria expected to land between Thursday and Friday morning.

In last year’s edition, 15 countries took part, with Kenya emerging the winners after bagging 46 gold, 54 silver and 93 bronze.

“26 countries have so far confirmed their participation in the event some will be arriving today while other will jet in tomorrow and Friday. The increase in number just shows how the game has been organized and grown in the country,” noted Mwakio, who is also the International Instructor at the World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation.

Last Thursday, the newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen insisted on the need to diversify to more sporting activities ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, and Mwakio believes with the growth of the sport in over 27 countries, it can be included as part of the Olympics in the near future.

“The game has really grown in the country and for the country to increase its medal haul as the new CS said, we need to increase the number of disciplines that we participate in during the Olympics. I believe this sport can offer solutions to that,” stated the federation president.