The 12th Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship, initially scheduled for Sunday, December 15, has been postponed once again due to funding delays, leaving its future uncertain.
Tong-Il Moo-Do, a Korean martial art blending techniques from karate, taekwondo, tai chi, aikido, and judo, emphasizes unity in martial arts. The tournament, hosted under the Martial Arts Federation for World Peace, was set to welcome participants from around the world at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa. However, insufficient resources have hindered the event’s execution.
Funding Challenges and Government Involvement
Elvis Malipe, Assistant Secretary General of the Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, attributed the delay to the Ministry of Sports’ failure to release funds in time. This marks the second postponement in 2024, following a similar situation in August. Malipe expressed frustration over repeated lobbying efforts that have yielded no results.
“The delay has demoralized us as organizers, and we are now appealing directly to President William Ruto to intervene and resolve the impasse,” said Malipe. He emphasized that the Kenyan federation risks penalties, including a possible ban by the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, for failing to host the competition for two consecutive years.
Global Impact and Participants’ Reactions
Teams from Japan, Paraguay, India, and Uganda had already arrived in Mombasa, with more expected. Paraguayan Federation President Carlos Nuñez, a gold medalist in the 2022 Tong-Il Moo-Do World Cup, voiced his disappointment but remained hopeful for a last-minute resolution. “Our team came prepared to defend its podium finishes from last year. It’s disheartening to see the event in limbo,” Nuñez said.
Kenya’s national team, “Jasiri,” ranked second globally in the Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, also faces setbacks. Team member Salma Abdalla highlighted the sport’s role in teaching self-discipline and self-defense, particularly for women. “With rising cases of femicide in Kenya, more women should embrace martial arts for self-protection,” she noted.
Kenya’s Legacy at Stake
Kenya, the defending champion, won 46 gold, 54 silver, and 93 bronze medals at the 2023 championships held at Aga Khan Hall. The delay casts a shadow over the nation’s reputation as a global leader in Tong-Il Moo-Do.
Malipe urged the public and sports enthusiasts to support the federation. “This tournament is not just about competition; it’s a platform to showcase Kenya’s talent and promote martial arts culture. We cannot let bureaucratic delays tarnish our achievements,” he said.
The federation hopes for swift intervention to salvage the championship and prevent further damage to Kenya’s standing in the global Tong-Il Moo-Do community.
