Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya is set to make history at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan (November 15–26, 2025), with badminton making its first-ever appearance as part of the nation’s Deaflympics campaign.
The country will be represented by four players: Titus Kiprop, Joseph Kago, Teresa Wambui, and Maryline Wanjiru, under the guidance of former national top seed in men’s doubles, Morgan Kirimi.
Speaking during training at the Nairobi Jaffrey Sports Club, assistant captain Teresa Wambui expressed her excitement about the opportunity:
“I feel very happy to be among the players who will represent the country internationally in deaf badminton for the first time. My aim is to bring a medal back home,”
she said
Wambui, who hails from Kilifi County, only discovered badminton in 2019 after transitioning from football. She secured her spot in the team during the national trials in Mombasa, which attracted players from 14 counties. The team will compete in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Training three times a week between the Pumwani Social Hall and Jaffrey Sports Club, the squad has also been sparring against hearing players to raise their level of play. “Competing with hearing players has been a good exposure because they are better players,” Wambui added.
Coach Kirimi, a BWF-accredited International Coach currently studying sports coaching at the University of Nairobi, is confident in his team’s readiness.
“My players are very much ready because they have been training consistently. My target as a coach is to bring fame to the country, and I believe we can win medals,”
he said.
Kenya’s shilling-for-gold incentive is also serving as extra motivation, with the government pledging Sh3 million for every gold medal earned at major championships. As the countdown to Tokyo 2025 continues, Kenya’s debut in badminton promises to be a historic moment—one that embodies resilience, determination, and the pursuit of sporting excellence.
