%20upping%20his%20training%20in%20Kasarani%20ahead%20of%20Tokyo-1024x576.jpg&w=3840&q=85)
By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Japan, 16 November 2025 - Kenya is aiming to win its first medals at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, with key athletic finals happening on Monday at Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.
The men’s 10,000m will start at 1:20pm in Tokyo (7:20am Kenyan time), followed by the 4x400m relay at 3pm (9am Kenyan time).
Kenyan Athletes in Action
Ian Wambui Kahinga, who already owns a Deaflympics gold and silver, will lead the Kenyan men’s 10,000m team.
He will compete alongside newcomer Peter Rutto and experienced runner David Kipkogei.
Kahinga won his spot at the Tokyo Games by finishing first at the national trials held in September, clocking 30:46.5.
Rutto and Kipkogei also posted strong times, finishing second and third, respectively. Kahinga is targeting a sweep of medals, as he will also race in 1,500m and 5,000m events later this week.
Kahinga shared, "I won a gold medal in the 1500m race and a silver medal in the 5000m race in Brazil some two years ago. I aim to get a medal in the 10000m. I aim to clinch three gold medals."
He believes that his training, especially with both deaf and hearing friends, has helped him prepare well for this challenge.
David Kipkogei, a veteran at age 46, also hopes for another podium finish after winning bronze in the last Deaflympics in Brazil in 2022.
Relay Team’s Hopes
In the 4x400m mixed relay, Captain Isaac Atima will try to guide his team, which includes Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza, towards medal success. Atima and his teammates previously won bronze in Brazil, and he will additionally compete in the men’s 400m and the 400m hurdles in Tokyo.
Women’s Basketball Team Starts Slow
Kenya’s women’s deaf basketball team started their Tokyo campaign on Sunday with a heavy loss to Australia, falling 104-30 at Ota-City General Gymnasium. Kenya struggled in each quarter against the much stronger Australian side.
Coach Mary Chepkoi blamed fatigue from the long journey, but remains optimistic about their next match against Italy at the same venue at 3:50pm local time (9:50am Kenyan time).
"We shall discuss the results in the match against Australia, before we play Italy," explained Chepkoi.
Mercy Mideva, Kenya’s point guard, still hopes for a comeback against Italy.
She said, "We have faltered in the match and obviously we are not happy, but we shall learn from our mistakes. Tomorrow we shall have another match will Kenya will try to do much better".
