USA jets in ahead of Msa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do Championship

USA is the latest country to arrive in Kenya ahead of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Championship, which is set to kick off on Friday at the Aga Khan Academy Hall.

According to Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do federation president Clarence Mwakio, the World Federation President Master Takamitsu Hoshiko is already in the country.

Four nations are expected to compete for the first time in the Mombasa fiesta, including Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Italy and The Commonwealth Dominican.

"The teams started arriving from Saturday, including Japan and the USA. We are preparing well for it as the hosts, but we are yet to get funding from the government. The government promised us that we will receive funds this week, so we remain hopeful so that we can host a proper competition,” said Mwakio.

A total of 28 countries have confirmed participation including hosts Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Republic of Congo, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic, Angola, Philippines, Nepal, USA, Paraguay, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Denmark, Ethiopia, Brazil and Pakistan.

Kenya’s team Jasiri will be out to retain the title they have won for the past nine years, although Mwakio says they expect stiff competition from their bitter rivals, the Philippines.

“We want people to come in large numbers and enjoy the competition. We expect to continue the dominance, although it will not be easy at all.”

During the last edition held at Aga Khan in Mombasa, Kenya won 39 gold, 33 silver and 52 bronze medals.