Kenya Seeks Enhanced Medal Haul at Tokyo Deaflympics

Kenya is gearing up for the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15 to 26, 2025, with high hopes of surpassing its previous medal record. The nation's contingent, particularly the women's deaf basketball team, is exuding confidence, led by captain Winnie Adhiambo.

Adhiambo, a 34-year-old veteran with experience playing alongside non-hearing-impaired athletes, is bullish about the team's prospects for a podium finish. Her optimism stems from the team's intensive preparations and a significant victory against hosts Brazil at the previous Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul in 2022, which she describes as a turning point.

Context: Kenya's Deaflympics Journey

Kenya has been a participant in the Deaflympics since 1997, consistently improving its performance. At the 24th Summer Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022, Kenya emerged as Africa's top nation, securing an impressive 24 medals, comprising 5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze. This marked the country's best-ever performance at the Games.

The women's basketball team will be making its third consecutive appearance at the global event, having debuted in Samsun, Turkey, in 2017. In Brazil, the team finished sixth overall.

Stakeholders and Preparations

The Kenya Sports Federation for the Deaf (KSFD) officially named a 63-athlete squad to represent the nation in Tokyo following national trials held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The women's deaf basketball team, currently undergoing non-residential training, is expected to enter a residential camp at Kasarani Stadium on October 6, 2025.

Head coach Mary Chepkoi highlighted Adhiambo's leadership skills and extensive experience as key factors in her captaincy. Chepkoi noted that Adhiambo's ability to compete on various platforms provides valuable courage and leadership to the squad. The 20-player squad has been training three times a week—on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—to enhance cohesion and refine fundamental basketball skills.

Christine Kirui, chairperson of the Kenya Deaf Basketball Federation, has also expressed strong confidence in the team's ability to secure a medal in Tokyo.

Evidence and Data

• Kenya's medal haul at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil: 24 medals (5 gold, 7 silver, 12 bronze).
• The women's deaf basketball team is drawn in Group A for the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, alongside Italy, Lithuania, and Australia.
• Winnie Adhiambo, 34, is the captain of the women's deaf basketball team.
• The 25th Summer Deaflympics will take place from November 15 to 26, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.

Risks and Implications

Despite the confidence, the team faces a challenging Group A in Tokyo, which includes formidable opponents like Italy, Lithuania, and Australia. Adhiambo acknowledges the toughness of the group but remains hopeful of topping the pool. The team's focus on sharpening offensive and defensive play, along with specific drills like man-marking, will be crucial for success.

What to Watch

The performance of the women's deaf basketball team will be a key highlight for Kenya at the Tokyo Deaflympics. Their ability to translate intensive training into competitive results against strong international opponents will determine if they can achieve their goal of a historic medal finish and contribute to Kenya's overall medal count.