By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Japan, 15 November 2025 - Team Kenya is finally ready to light up the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, with action set to begin on Sunday. The women’s basketball team will be the first to take the court, opening their Group “A” campaign at the Ota-City General Gymnasium from 10:30 am local time (4:30 am Kenyan time).
Later in the day, at 4 pm in Tokyo (10 am Nairobi time), the men’s handball team will begin their hunt for glory against Serbia at the Komazawa Olympic Park Indoor Arena.
These two teams are part of the five disciplines Kenya will compete in at the 25th edition of the global multi-sport event, which runs until November 26. Kenya will also feature in athletics, swimming, and golf, where the country traditionally performs strongly.
Basketball: Kenya Ready to Rattle Group A Giants
Kenya’s women's basketball team faces a tough but exciting group featuring Australia, Lithuania, and Italy. Groups B and C have heavyweights like Greece, Japan, Turkey, the USA, and Poland.
But Kenya is not in Tokyo to participate — they are here to compete.
Towering defender Sylvia Adhiambo has already sent a strong warning to their opening opponents, Australia.
“Our homework is done, our systems are ready, and our focus is the podium. We didn’t travel all the way to Japan to joke. Australia should expect a long day in the paint,” Adhiambo declared confidently.
Head coach Mary Chepkoi echoed the confidence, noting that the team is eyeing a powerful start in what will be their third Deaflympics appearance.
“We have never faced Australia, but our preparation has been solid. We’ll take one game at a time and stick to our game plan,” said Chepkoi, who also coaches JKUAT’s women’s team, the Lynx.
Kenya enters the tournament inspired by their historic first-ever Deaflympics win in 2022, where they thrashed hosts Brazil 98–12 to finish seventh.
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Chepkoi emphasized the importance of discipline around the boards, especially against the height of the Australian squad.
“They are a tall team, so we must box out effectively to control the rebounds,” she added.
Handball: Kenya Looking to Shock Serbia in Group A Clash
In handball, goalkeeper Samuel Gitonga will be at the heart of Kenya’s defence as they face Serbia in their Group “A” opener.
The group also features defending champions Croatia and strong contenders France.
“We’ve watched Serbia closely. We know where to strike. We must start strong and pick maximum points,” said Gitonga.
Head coach Jack Habert believes discipline and tactical execution will be the deciding factor.
“We’ve been preparing since the last Deaflympics in 2022. Every team is strong, but if we stick to instructions, Serbia won’t beat us,” he said.
Group B features Japan, Germany, Turkey, and Brazil.
The energy in camp is positive, the teams are ready, and expectations back home are growing. With Kenya’s rising reputation in global sports, all eyes will be on our athletes as they begin their journey for Deaflympics glory.
