Jasiri ready to defend title as Mombasa Open tourney kick off

The 11th edition of the annual Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do championship serves off on Sunday at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

The two-day championship is expected to feature 21 nations despite the Kenya Tong Il Moo-Do Federation inviting 42 countries for the global showpiece.

"I want to pass my gratitude to the government of Kenya for coming through with enormous support both for the National team Jasiri and the championship. The team is in high spirits and ready to rumble. This is a contest and any team can win but the winner will only be known after the final whistle," federation chairman Clarence Mwakio said.

He was addressing journalists at Light International School on Saturday evening, the venue where Jasiri held their last training session.

Kenya has won the past 10 editions of the tournament, highlighting their dominance in the Coastal City that has been the home of the event.

The tournament was initially planned for December 15-17 but was pushed forward after the government delayed to disburse funds.

Jasiri stepped up their 10-day preparation last week and the team is banking on home support to retain the title they won in 2021.

Last year, the tournament failed to take place because of logistical challenges.

"Paraguay, India, Zimbabwe, Japan, Korea, Philippines and Thailand are in the country as of Saturday evening but more teams are expected on Sunday. The fixtures and timings are different, allowing teams to arrive in time for the tournament," Mwakio added.

The tournament will have a different theme this year with the focus also on promoting tourism in the Coast region of the country.

The Mombasa Open is more than just competition.

It discovers inspiring demonstrations, interactive activities and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of martial arts and community.

The unforgettable memories capture the roar of the crowd, the awe-inspiring moves and the electrifying energy of the tournament and are a chance to create lasting memories.