TOKYO, JAPAN – Team Kenya's quest for its first medals at the 25th Summer Deaflympics begins today, Monday, November 17, 2025, with the men's 10,000-meter final at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium. The race, scheduled for 1:20 PM Tokyo Time (7:20 AM EAT), is a pivotal moment for Kenya, a traditional powerhouse in Deaflympics athletics, as it aims to defend a title held for over a decade.

The Kenyan contingent will be led by a formidable trio: Ian Wambui, David Kipkogei, and Peter Rutto. Wambui, 24, enters the race as a reigning Deaflympics champion, having secured gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 5,000m at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. He has openly stated his ambition to achieve a historic triple gold in Tokyo, starting with the 10,000m. “I won gold in 1500m in Brazil two years ago and silver in 5000m, now I'll be aiming for another medal bracket in the 10000m. I want all three gold in my cabinet,” Kahinga stated in an interview.

Flanking Wambui is the veteran David Kipkogei, 46, a former champion in the event who brings a wealth of experience to the team. Kipkogei clinched a bronze medal in the same race at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics and remains a significant contender for the podium. The team is rounded out by newcomer Peter Rutto, who secured his spot by finishing second at the national trials.

A New Era for Kenyan Dominance

For the first time in over a decade, the 10,000m race will not feature Symon Kibai, the three-time defending champion whose long reign has defined the event for Kenya. Kibai was absent from the national trials held in September at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, opening the door for a new champion to emerge and carry the torch for the nation. The trials saw Wambui clocking an impressive 30:46.5 to win, with Rutto finishing in 30:47.5 and Kipkogei close behind at 30:47.9, demonstrating the competitive spirit within the Kenyan camp.

The 25th Summer Deaflympics, taking place from November 15 to 26, 2025, holds special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first Games held in Paris in 1924. The event has brought approximately 3,000 athletes from around 80 countries to Tokyo. Kenya is represented by a contingent of 180 members, including athletes, officials, and support staff, participating in five disciplines: athletics, women's basketball, men's handball, golf, and swimming. This marks Kenya's eighth appearance at the Games since its debut in 1997.

Broader Hopes for Team Kenya

Kenya's participation in Tokyo comes with high expectations, following the country's most successful performance to date at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, where the team topped the African continent with 24 medals (5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze). The government has budgeted Sh419 million for the team's participation, as confirmed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who emphasized the government's commitment to inclusion and empowerment in sports.

Beyond the 10,000m, Kenyan athletes are also set to compete in the 4x400m mixed relay final later today at 3:00 PM Tokyo Time (9:00 AM EAT). The relay team, captained by Isaac Atima, who was part of the bronze-winning quartet in Brazil, includes Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza.

While the athletics team begins its medal hunt, other Kenyan teams have already commenced their campaigns. The women's deaf basketball team faced a challenging start on Sunday, losing 104-30 to Australia in their opening Group A match. Coach Mary Chepkoi attributed the loss to fatigue from the long journey but remained optimistic about their upcoming match against Italy. The men's handball team was also scheduled to begin their tournament against Serbia. As the nation watches, the performance of the 10,000m trio this morning will set the tone for Kenya's aspirations at these centennial Games.