The Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championships 2025 entered its second day on Saturday at the Aga Khan Hall, with athletes thrilling fans through impressive displays of skill, discipline and athleticism. Participants from different countries took to the mat to showcase a wide range of techniques, from solo demonstrations to complex combination routines, as spectators turned up in large numbers to enjoy the action-packed contests.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the championships, Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do President Clarence Mwakio confirmed that the tournament continues to attract growing international interest. He revealed that more than five additional international participants were expected to arrive in the country on Saturday to take part in the prestigious Mombasa Open Championships.
“This championship continues to grow every year. We are excited by the increasing number of international athletes joining us, which shows the global appeal of Tong-IL Moo-Do,” Mwakio said.
The championships also drew strong messages on youth empowerment and sports development across the continent. Gambia Tong-IL Moo-Do Chairman used the platform to call on African youth to embrace the sport, noting that beyond talent showcasing, Tong-IL Moo-Do plays a critical role in instilling discipline, confidence and physical fitness among young people.
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He further urged African governments to support and promote the sport, arguing that with Africa’s youthful population, Tong-IL Moo-Do presents a valuable opportunity for nurturing talent and engaging the youth positively.
“There is great potential in Africa. If governments invest in this sport, we can transform lives and open up international opportunities for our young people,” he said.
A key highlight of the day two press briefing was the renewed push to have Tong-IL Moo-Do recognised at the Olympic level. Officials and participants expressed optimism, saying the growing international participation and structured competitions signal the sport’s readiness for global recognition.
The three-day event, which concludes on Sunday, is also expected to provide an economic boost to Mombasa through increased hotel bookings, transport services and local tourism activities.
Mwakio noted that beyond competition, organisers have lined up cultural and tourism experiences for visiting athletes. “After the games, we will take the participants to visit some of our iconic tourism attractions so they can appreciate what Mombasa has to offer,” he said.
The Mombasa Open Championships continue to position the coastal city as a hub for international sports tourism while promoting martial arts development across Africa and beyond.
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