Kenyans enjoy dominance in Tong-IL Moo-Do international event
By Harrison.Kivisu and Vincent Voiyoh, December 20, 2023Kenya national Tong-IL Moo-Do team registered routine wins in the 11th edition of the Mombasa Open Championships at the Agha Khan Academy gymnasium yesterday.
By the time of going the press, Kenya had amassed eight gold medals in different categories,five silvers and 11 bronze medals to sit pretty on the standings with 24 medals.
Flavin Kemunto was the first Kenyan to bring pride to the country after testing victory in Junior Girls’ D category.
Kemunto express her delight after that deserved win that so her top of her peers.
“I am glad for this win,I had trained well for this championships and now I am joyous for what I have achieved for myself and for the country.I would like to thank my coach, fellow players and the entire Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation for the support thus far,” Kemunto told People Sport.
By yesterday evening only India had won one gold medal among the other vising countries.The solo medal for the Asian nation was registered by 13-year-old Erica Sequeira who trounced Eunice Mwende of Kenya in sparring on Monday.
Iran had won one silver medal as well as Zambia. The competition which involved more than countries came to joyous close yesterday after three days of toil and sweat for the players.
It remains to been seen if other participating nations will take up the challenge from Kenya and ensure tough opposition in the next edition whether in Kenya or abroad.
There have been talks of taking the International Tournament to Uruguay or South Korea next year should the international federation of Tong-IL Moo-Do reach an agreement.
“We are happy to have delegates from different countries and many participants from different countries, we began well and the competition ended successfully,” said Kenya’s federation boss Clarence Mwakio who has played a pivotal role in supporting team Kenya in the tournament.
Mwakio hinted at a plan to have the winners of the national team awarded special awards by the government for exemplary performance apart from normal medal awards. He thanked the government for support and applauded the media for its continued support to the publicity.