Experienced Jasiri Player Lonah Abiero has said she is impressed by the emergence of fresh talent that is shining at the ongoing 11th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do championship at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.
Abiero was part of team Kenya that battled to retain the title in the 2021 edition.
She said there's more to come from the juniors if their performance so far is any barometer.
"We have noted massive improvement in performance from the new players and that inspires hope that the game is growing in the country," she said.
"The skills on display are a testament to how far we have come and we can only get better. We can't afford to underrate any of our opponents because complacency will make us lose the title."
Team Kenya registered better preliminary results on Monday evening.
In the girls' C category, India's De Sequeira Erica prevailed in the cadre.
Kenyan duo of Eunice Mwende and Mchuma Khaleesi were second and third respectively.
In the junior girls' B class, Osena Debra managed the top spot. Hassan Kadzo and Opuye Atieno were second and third in the same order.
In the junior class A girls category, Bakari Mwanasheban was the winner, followed by Mukiti Kamene and Bhuttoh Bessy.
"The 10-day training camp at Light International School enabled us to rectify our weaknesses and bond as a team. This has put us in a better position to retain our title," Abiero added.
Paraguay, the Philippines and India have been Kenya's perennial rivals for the last decade.
Abiero, whose ambition is to nurture young talent once she retires said:
"The federation needs support from stakeholders and corporates. We are world beaters and in order to extend our dominance we need cooperation from all fronts."
The last round of the competition will be played on Tuesday.
The competition, initially planned for December 15-17 was pushed forward to December December 17-19 after the government delayed disbursing funds in time.
The Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do championship is an annual tournament that is graced by countries worldwide.
