The Kenyan Jasiri national team started the Mombasa Open Tong IL- Moo Do international championships on a high note  after bagging 12 medals.

In the first day of the competition, the players emerged winners in the first four events of the day scoping 4gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze respectively.

In a competition that is contested by 10 countries, the seven time defending champions at the Aga Khan Multipurpose hall clinched the medals despite the high turnout of foreign players.

In the junior girls, competing in forms category, Kyla Nyambura clinched Gold, Catherine Mayaz (Silver) and Precious Mayar (Bronze).

In the same category, the boys Jotham Banda won gold, Harun Gatogo (silver) and Samuel Njaga (bronze).

Under 18 girls, Hope Christine emerged with the gold, silver went to Nina Inan and the bronze went to Lavender Mmbone. 

In the male white belt, over 18 years Athman Bakari won gold,Twalib  Kashid (silver)  and Wycliffe Wabukala (Bronze).

The countries participating in the two day championships include Brazil, Thailand, South Korea, Cote D’Voire, Phillipines,Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria, Iran and Turkey.

The event was officially opened by the World Tong Il Moo Do Federation President Grandmaster Takamistu Hoshiko who lauded Kenyan government for allowing the event to take place.

Former Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch and African Tong Il Moo Do Federation President Clarence Mwakio were also present.

“On behalf of the World Tong Il Moo Do Federation, I would like to commend Kenyan government for its support towards the promotion of the sport in the country. We have seen tremendous improvement of Tong Il Moo Do in Kenya, which cannot go unnoticed, “said Hoshiko who has been the Vice President of the federation before he took over the helm this year.

“Many sports were cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic but we are happy the Mombasa Open international championships is here with us. The participation of several nations clearly shows that players were looking forward to the resumption of sports globally,” said the world President.

Hoshiko said he was impressed with the covid-19 health measures put in place by the organisers of the Mombasa Open event. “The World Health Organization, the Ministry of health and the Ministry of sports, culture and heritage Covid 19 protocols have been observed to the latter,” said the President.

Mwakio said his federation was privileged to host the world event after many championships were locally cancelled due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

Mwakio lauded the government for its effort to promote Tong-IL-Moo Do and singled out  the Ministry of Sports Culture and the Arts for playing a pivotal role to ensure the event is hosted in Mombasa despite uncertainties.