Kenya unveils 63-athlete squad for 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo

The Kenya Sports Federation for the Deaf (KSFD)has officially named a formidable squad of 63 athletes who will represent the nation at the 25th Summer Deaflympics, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from 15-26 November 2025.

The final team was unveiled following two days of intense national trials held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The trials brought together athletes from across the country, all competing for a chance to don the national colours on the grand international stage.

Kenya will head to Tokyo with high expectations, aiming to build on the country’s impressive performance at the 24th Summer Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022. At that edition, Team Kenya emerged as Africa’s top nation, finishing with 24 medals, 5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze.

Spotlight on Serah Wangari Kimani

Among the standout athletes selected is Serah Wangari Kimani, the 2022 Deaflympics silver medalist, who once again proved her class at the trials. Wangari powered to victory in the women’s 10,000m final, clocking 41:04.5, a result that secured her ticket to Tokyo in emphatic fashion.

She was followed by Nancy Kendagor Jebichii, a double bronze medalist in Brazil, who crossed the line in 42:48.8, while Juster Kwamesa completed the podium in 44:33.6.

Speaking after her triumph, the 36-year-old mother of two expressed joy at returning to the global stage:

“I’m grateful for this victory and happy to qualify for my second Deaflympics after my exciting exploits in Brazil three years ago. I trained for six months for this race because I didn’t want to miss the slot. Hard work has finally paid off,” she said.

Wangari, who also secured second place in the women’s 5000m category at the trials, is determined to improve on her previous performance:

“In Brazil, I was fourth in the 5000m. This time, I’m aiming to get into the medal bracket. As for the 10,000m, my focus is to turn the silver medal into gold in Tokyo. I’m training harder and praying everything goes well,” she emphasised.

Training without a coach?

Remarkably, Wangari prepared for the national trials largely on her own. Without a personal coach, she relied on self-discipline and creativity to fine-tune her skills.

“Sometimes I go online to learn new techniques, and sometimes I train with my friends who give me advice on where to improve. I mostly focused on speed and endurance, and thankfully, I didn’t pick up any injuries. I hope this smooth run continues all the way to Tokyo,” she revealed.

Reflecting on her Deaflympics debut in Brazil, Wangari described it as an invaluable learning experience:

“Back then, I was completely blank about what to expect. Even though I returned with silver, it opened my eyes. Now I know what to do, and my dream is to finally bring home gold.”

The 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo carries added significance as it will mark the 100th anniversary of the Games since their inception in 1924. Kenya’s athletes, buoyed by past successes, will not only be chasing medals but also aim to cement the country’s place on the global Deaflympics map.

With the countdown to Tokyo now officially underway, all eyes will be on Team Kenya as they prepare to make history at the 25th Summer Deaflympics.