Salma Ali Abdallah, Lorna Apiyo Abiero and Elvis Malipe are among 15 sportsmen and women nominated for this year’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations.

They are now looking forward to being declared national heroes by President William Ruto come October 20.

Speaking from Mombasa County yesterday after the proposed names were released by the National Heroes Council, which are now subject to public consultation, Tong-Il Moo-Do men’s national team captain Elvis Malipe expressed his excitement.

He stated that recognizing athletes from his discipline will go a long way in popularizing and growing martial arts in Kenya.

“This is the best news I have heard this year. I pray that the three of us will be honored on Mashujaa Day in Kwale. It’s a feeling that can’t be explained, but I also hope it will motivate many young martial artists who are just getting into Tong-Il Moo-Do,” expressed Malipe.

Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation chairperson Clarence Mwakio Ingalwa praised the athletes for their nomination to the national heroes list and commended the government for honoring athletes during national days.

He described the initiative as a selfless act that will not only motivate sportsmen and women but also popularize lesser-known sports.

Master Elvis Malipe Ole Mpakuanik, the men’s national team captain, now joins national ladies’ team captain Ali and her assistant Apiyo on the list of 15 nominated sportsmen and women awaiting confirmation following public consultation.

The other 12 nominees are Stella Ngina Musyoka, Brenden Inchingwa Mwinamo, Pauline Wambeti Munyi, Eunice Wekesa, Sarah Atieno, Andrew Kiptoo, Sarah Moraa, Francis Bowen, Richard Madegwa, Peter Oloo, Absalom Okoth and Samson Ojuka.