Winnie Adhiambo in training/ HANDOUTKenya's deaf basketball team captain Winnie Adhiambo is bullish that the team can secure a podium finish at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympic Games, slated for November 15 to 26 in Japan.
Kenya will be featuring in the women’s basketball event at the 25th edition of the global show for the third successive time, having made their debut at the 2017 showpiece in Samsun, Turkey. Kenya have been drawn in Group A alongside global heavyweights Italy, Lithuania and Australia.
Adhiambo believes their intensive preparations at the USIU-Africa courts will give them the edge to mount a serious medal push in Tokyo.
“We have been training so hard and our main aim is to make it to the podium in Tokyo,” Adhiambo said.
The skipper emphasised that the team must sharpen both their offensive and defensive play, while also refining key drills, such as man-marking, ahead of Tokyo. The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having played extensively with non-hearing-impaired athletes.
Head coach Mary Chepkoi said Adhiambo’s leadership skills and unique experience made her the natural choice for captaincy.
“She is not limited to the Deaf team. She is outgoing and ready to compete on any platform, so that’s the courage and leadership we need in the squad,” Chepkoi said.
Chepkoi revealed that the squad of 20 players has been training three times a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) to build cohesion.
“Having gotten players from different regions, they have not been exposed to training, so there are a couple of fundamentals of basketball that we are still working on,” she said.
Kenya Deaf Basketball Federation chairperson, Christine Kirui, echoed the optimism, boldly declaring that Tokyo will deliver a medal moment for Kenya.
“As a federation, we are promising Kenyans that when we get to Tokyo and we will bring a medal home. That is what will make Kenyans proud, and we are determined to achieve it,” Kirui affirmed.
