Deaf golfer Isaac Makokha during a training session at VetLab Sports Club in Nairobi/HANDOUTIsaac Makokha hopes to upgrade his bronze medal from the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics when he competes at this year's edition in Tokyo, Japan, on November 15-26.
In Caxias do Sul, Makokha, 33, made history as the first Kenyan deaf golfer to win a medal at the Games.
Tokyo marks the second appearance for the father of one. The Vet Lab Sports Club player is in Team Kenya alongside Adan Wario, Gilbert
Alikula and teenage sensation Jacinta Njeri, a debutant.
Addressing the press after a training session at Vet Lab, Makokha said he feels on fire and can’t wait for the Deaflympics to start.
“I have practised well. I feel my body is in shape, I’m optimistic I will convert that bronze from Brazil into gold when I head to Tokyo,” Makokha said.
Makokha said he picked lessons from the Brazil showpiece, which he has since worked on, thus his confidence to bag a gold medal this time around.
“Allen (John) is a strong opponent, but I’m ready to face him head-on. I can manage to knock him out this time, because my body is on fire,” he asserted.
Allen won golf in Brazil.
To qualify for the Tokyo Deaflympics, Makokha beat 15 other local deaf golfers in several Strokeplay and matchplay championships.
He singled out his triumph at the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitation Golf Tournament in September as one of the achievements that fueled his confidence of a good showing in Tokyo.
In that tournament, Makokha floored able golfers, including title holder Michael Karanga.
“I have participated in several tournaments and I have won several medals and trophies. The golfers in the ongoing Sunshine Development
Tour- East Africa Swing series, which I also take part in, are very strong. I have learnt a lot from them and with that, it has prepared me for Tokyo,” he said.
Makokha has pointed out the lack of equipment as one of the main challenges he is grappling with in the trade.
Team Kenya deaf golf coach David Kihara tipped Makokha to shine in Tokyo.
“He has trained very well, competed in several tough tournaments and I think this time around he is ready to bring us something bigger than the bronze medal,” said Kihara.
