Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) Ulinzi Tae-kwon-do successfully defended their title to emerge champions of the 2022 Mombasa Open Tae-kwon-do Championship held at Nyali Executive Gym.

KDF stamped its authority to win the overall title after beating their rivals with a total of nine gold, five silver and thirteen bronze medals during the well-attended competition.

KDF participated in the event to sharpen their skills and defend the title. A total of 20 senior teams and 18 junior teams participated in this event sponsored by Mz Radiators Company in collaboration with Mombasa Taekwondo Federation.

In the men’s categories, Edwin Lemiso of KDF beat Kelvin Kanyangiwa of Nairobi regional before the defending champions came breathing fire for Army man Stephen Obonyo to beat Lawrence Osuru of Bilal club.

In ladies’ categories, Ruth Atieno of Nairobi regional struggled to beat soldier Awino Otieno in a tough lightweight fight during the nail-biting encounter.

National team selection

Other soldiers, Faith Wawira bagged a silver medal in the middleweight category while Margaret Njeri bagged another silver medal in the fin weight category after she lost narrowly to Agnes Njeri of Nairobi regional.

Mombasa county Taekwondo club chairman William Mwaura noted the competition was part of the national team selection ahead of international assignments next year.

“The competition has provided a good platform for team selection because we have international assignments ahead and Kenya must produce the best and quality players,” said Mwaura.

He expressed confidence that the newly appointed sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba will uplift the fast-growing sport to the next level.

Dennis Ywaya the director  of the competition’s sponsor, Mz Radiators, pledged the company’s  commitment  to more tournaments in future.