Team Kenya is officially underway at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, with two major disciplines stepping onto the global stage as the competition begins.
On Sunday morning, the Kenya women’s deaf basketball team opens the country’s campaign with their first Group A fixture at the Ota-City General Gymnasium from 10:30 am local time (4:30 am Kenya time). Later in the day at 4 pm local time (10 am Nairobi time), the Kenya men’s handball team launches their Group A campaign against Serbia at the Komazawa Olympic Park Indoor Stadium.
Kenya is competing in five disciplines at this year’s Deaflympics — women’s basketball, men’s handball, athletics, swimming, and golf.
Basketball: Kenya Ready for a Fierce Debut
Kenya faces Australia, Lithuania, and Italy in Group A. Basketball star Sylvia Adhiambo, who will anchor the defence, says the team is prepared for a battle.
“Our homework is all done. Every department is in order. We’re here for the podium, and Australia should be ready,”
— Sylvia Adhiambo
Head coach Mary Chepkoi remains optimistic as the team prepares for their third Deaflympics appearance.
“We’ve never faced Australia, but we believe we have what it takes. We take one game at a time,”
— Coach Mary Chepkoi
Kenya enters the competition on a high after their maiden Deaflympics win in Brazil (2022), where they beat the hosts 98-12.
Handball: Kenya Gunning for a Strong Start
In handball, goalkeeper Samuel Gitonga says the team is ready to neutralize Serbia.
“We know their weaknesses — that’s where we’ll strike. We must pick up points early,”
— Samuel Gitonga
Head coach Jack Habert, who has been preparing the team since 2022, is confident.
“If we stick to our tactical plan, Serbia cannot beat us. All teams are good, but it’s up to us to execute,”
— Coach Habert
Kenya faces Serbia, Croatia (defending champions), and France in Group A. As the Deaflympics officially get underway, Team Kenya stands ready — focused, fearless, and fired up for glory.
Photo Caption: Kenya women’s deaf basketball team in Tokyo ready for action against Australia. PHOTO/KSFD
