Tong-IL Moo-Do Championship In Limbo as Funding Delays
By Harrison Kivisu and Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
More foreign teams are expected to arrive in the country this week before kick off of the much anticipated Mombasa Open International Tong-IL Moo -Do championship.
Officials of the Kenya federation have pledged with the government to commit its sponsorship to Kenya national team Jasiri as it prepares to defend its title.
The competition was rescheduled following delay in funding though officials are optimistic the government will salvage the event from total collapse.
By Saturday India, USA, Turkey and Nigeria teams had joined camp at the famous Aga Khan academy sports complex ready for the competition scheduled for this weekend.
Master Clarence Mwakio Ingalwa, President Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation, says despite the delays and challenges the championship will go on as planned.
The president, who is also the chairman of the Federation, is optimistic the new cabinet secretary (CS) will heed their call for assistance despite interference from some government officials.
“We have engaged Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen and we are hopeful he will intervene to inspire our athletes to win medals in this year’s championship,” Master Mwakio said.
Kenya Tong – IL Moo – Do national team is in good form ready to defend this year’s Mombasa open championship title.
Jasiri Team coach Ibrahim Mchumba says his colleagues are in good form ready to defend their titles.
Kenya Tong – IL Moo – Do team captain Elvis Malipe expresses hopes that team Kenya will reign despite funding challenges orchestrated by unnnessary push and pull.
“We have been in camp for the last two weeks preparing hard and we hope for good results. Despite the challenges our team is facing we are in good form and high in team spirits,” he added.
World Tong IL MooDo federation president Takamitsu Hoshiko who is now in the country confirmed the postponement of the competition.
“The sport is growing too fast and it’s our hope that various governments will continue to support it so that we can advance and feature in the Olympics,” he said.
USA team, include Ericka J De Sequeira, a first time participant and India’s Master Reunak Sighn an official are in the country.
Sighn says that more players will join the team in the course of the week hoping for a successful tournament.
Jasiri, is among the top two best teams in the world and has propelled Kenya in the world standing bagging World Tong-IL- Moo-Do Federation Awards .
The martial arts sport in Kenya has a great future potential and the likely to bring in more Olympic medals than athletes once it is listed in the IOC and Commonwealth games as well.
This growth has inspired many African countries to join this sport but still African countries see Kenya as Tong-IL Moo-Do as power house.
