Tokyo Deaflympics: Team Kenya Co-Captains Eager for Record-Breaking Medal Haul

Sports Updated: 05 November 2025 13:13 EAT

Team Kenya co-captains Isaac Atima and Linet Nanjala are confident that the national squad will register its most successful outing yet at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics, set for November 15–26 in Tokyo, Japan.

This year marks Kenya’s eighth appearance at the quadrennial global event since its debut in 1997 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over time, Kenya has steadily cemented its reputation as a rising force in deaf sports.

With 177 athletes scheduled to compete across multiple disciplines, Atima and Nanjala are determined to lead the team to exceed the record 24 medals—five gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze—won at the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

“As Team Kenya, we are hopeful of winning many medals in Tokyo. We are working hard in camp so we can fly our flag high,” said Nanjala.

A standout performer in Brazil, Nanjala clinched two silver medals in the 4x400m mixed relay and women’s 4x400m relay, as well as bronze in the women’s 400m. She now has her eyes on the elusive gold.

Atima, who will contest the 400m and 400m hurdles, echoed her optimism.

“We aim to surpass our previous record and stamp our authority at the Games. I’m personally focused on returning home with a medal to lead by example,” he said.

The duo also acknowledged that enhanced government cash rewards have boosted motivation within the squad. The revised scheme awards KSh 3 million for gold, KSh 2 million for silver, and KSh 1 million for bronze, compared to previous payouts of KSh 750,000, KSh 500,000, and KSh 350,000, respectively.

Kenya will field athletes in athletics, golf, men’s handball, women’s basketball, and swimming as it seeks to build on its strong Deaflympics legacy.

In recent editions, Kenya has consistently shone on the global stage—finishing first in Africa and ninth worldwide at both the 2017 Games in Samsun, Turkey (16 medals), and the 2013 Games in Sofia, Bulgaria (16 medals).

The national squad is currently in residential training at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, sharpening their skills and strategies ahead of the Tokyo challenge.