Team Kenya eyes best-ever performance at 25th Deaflympics in Japan

Team Kenya co-captains Isaac Atima and Linet Nanjala have promised to deliver the best performance at the Deaflympics in the Summer Games, set for Tokyo, Japan, next month. 

Kenya make their eighth appearance in the quadrennial multi-sport event, scheduled for November 15 to 26, after debuting in 1997 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Since 1997, Kenya has steadily improved its performance in the global championships, establishing itself as a powerhouse in Deaf sports.

Tasked with leading a contingent of 177 athletes in Tokyo, Atima and Nanjala said they have faith the team will surpass the 24 medals (five gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze) won at the 2022 edition held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

“As Team Kenya, we are hopeful to win many medals in Tokyo. That I can assure you. We want to do our best in the camp so that when we compete, we fly the flag of our country high,” said Nanjala. "Personally, I’m focused on returning home with the elusive gold medal from Japan."

Nanjala bagged a silver medal in both the 4x400m mixed relay and Women’s 4x400m relay and a bronze in the women’s 400m in Brazil. Atima, who will represent Kenya in the men’s 400m and 400m hurdles categories, tipped the athletics team to lead in the medal hunt.

“I expect the athletics team to bring a lot of medals like before. The target is to surpass the previous record and stamp our authority in the Games,” said Atima.

“My personal expectation is that I will bring my very own medal to be an example as a captain. I can assure you that I will make it to the podium in Tokyo.”

The duo admitted that the cash awards from the government are a big motivation for every member of Team Kenya to give their best in the Summer Games.

Last month, the government enhanced the athletes' cash rewards scheme with every gold medal at major championships, attracting Sh3 million up from Sh750,000. Silver medalists earn Sh2 million, an increase from Sh500,000, while bronze medalists receive Sh1 million, up from Sh350,000.

In Tokyo, Kenya will compete in athletics, golf, men’s handball, women’s basketball, and swimming. Kenya’s 24-medal haul in Brazil remains the country’s best-ever performance in the Deaflympics.

Previously, in the 2017 Summer Deaflympics held in Samsun, Turkey, Kenya were top in Africa and ninth globally with 16 medals (five gold, five silver, and six bronze).

Kenya also finished ninth with 16 medals (six gold, five silver, and five bronze) in the 2013 Games held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The Kenyan team is currently in a residential training camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, Nairobi.