LUSAKA Province Minister Sheal Mulyata says sports is a powerful tool for promoting peace and unity in society.

Mulyata says sports have the ability to build peace and foster understanding in communities.

She was speaking when she officially opened the Lusaka Open Tong-Il Moo-Do National Martial Arts Championship in Lusaka.

The Minister said the government is committed to promoting sports like Tong-Il Moo-Do which is more than just a form of martial art but is a philosophy and a way of life rooted in the principles of peace, discipline and harmony.

And National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sombwa Musunsa pledged the institution’s support towards this form of mixed martial arts.

Musunsa said the council will ensure that it throws its weight behind growing the sport through supporting the Zambia Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation.

Meanwhile, Zambia Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, Founder Dieudonne Kouame thanked the Government for supporting the sporting discipline.

Over 50 athletes both male and female from across the country participated in the Lusaka Open Tong Il Moo-Do National Martial Arts Championship.

Tong-il Moo-Do is a Korean mixed martial arts (MMA) system that combines techniques from other martial arts, including karate, taekwondo, tai chi, aikido, and judo.