Deaflympics: Kenya Handball Team Banks On Experience And Chemistry For A Formidable Showdown In Tokyo
Sports Updated: 21 October 2025 11:37 EAT
Kenyan deaflympians training ahead of November Tokyo showdown
Kenya’s men’s deaf handball team is banking on experience and strong team chemistry to deliver an impressive performance at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics set for November 15 to 26. The team will be making its second appearance in the global competition after debuting in 2022 in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
Drawn in Group “B” alongside Croatia, Serbia and France, Kenya faces a challenging path, while Group “A” features hosts Japan, Germany, Turkey and Brazil. With less than a month to go before the Games, the 18-man squad has intensified training at Nyayo National Stadium under the guidance of head coach Jack Habert.
Habert said he has maintained the team’s core, blending experience with a touch of new talent. “The only reinforcement I have done in the team is just to instill new blood, about five young players, but it is composed of the old guards who have played for a long time and know each other. This is why I have confidence in this team because they have the chemistry of play,” said the coach.
Having finished fifth in the 2018 World Deaf Handball Championships and sixth in the last Deaflympics, Habert has set his sights on a podium finish in Tokyo. “The first time we participated in the World Championship, we were number five, in the last Deaflympics we were number six, so our target this time is to reach the podium,” he stated. Kenya qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics after being crowned African champions.
Team captain Joel Kiilu expressed optimism, saying the squad has improved significantly. “I really feel good being the team’s captain. That is a very big opportunity. I am ready to lead the team to a win,” said Kiilu. “We have picked many lessons from the World Deaf Handball Championships and the last Deaflympics. We have really improved in our attack and generally our game. Our eyes are wide open; we are going to the Deaflympics much better, much improved, so I’m sure there is a medal coming home with us.”
Kiilu added that Kenya is ready to face any team in their group. “I don’t think it is going to be tough because we have observed how our opponents play. Serbia we are ready to meet them, Croatia we have studied their tactics, and they are not far from us. Kenya will do its best; we are not afraid at all,” he said.
The Tokyo Deaflympics will see eight teams contest for the men’s handball title, with Kenya aiming to use its experience, teamwork, and preparation to make history with a first-ever medal finish.
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FELIX MAKONA
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