Team Kenya will officially begin their medal chase at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics on Monday as the finals of the men’s 10,000m and 4x400m relay take centre stage at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium. The 10,000m race is scheduled for 1:20 pm local time (7:20 am Kenyan time), followed by the 4x400m relay finals at 3:00 pm (9:00 am Kenyan time).
Wambui Leads Kenya’s 10,000m Charge
Reigning Deaflympics men’s 1500m gold medalist and 5,000m silver medalist, Ian Wambui Kahinga, will spearhead Kenya’s campaign in a 21-man field. Newcomer Peter Rutto and veteran and former champion David Kipkogei will join him.
Wambui, 24, booked his ticket to Tokyo after winning the national trials held in September at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, clocking 30:46.5. Rutto followed in 30:47.5, while Kipkogei placed third with a time of 30:47.9.
A win in the 10,000m would boost Wambui’s pursuit of a historic triple at the Games, as he prepares also to defend his 1,500m title later this week and convert his previous 5,000m silver medal from Brazil into gold.
Veteran Kipkogei Still a Contender
At 46 years old, Kipkogei remains a strong competitor, having clinched bronze in the 10,000m at the Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022.
Kenya Eyes Podium Finish in 4x400m Relay
In the 4x400m mixed relay, team captain Isaac Atima is expected to lead by example as he anchors the relay team to a potential podium finish. He will team up with Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza.
Atima was part of the Kenyan squad that secured bronze in the relay at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics. In Tokyo, he will also participate in the men’s 400m and 400m hurdles.
Kenya Women’s Basketball Team Faces Tough Start
Meanwhile, Kenya’s women’s deaf basketball team began their campaign on a difficult note, falling 104-30 to giants Australia on Sunday at the Ota-City General Gymnasium.
Head coach Mary Chepkoi cited fatigue from long travel as a major factor in the loss but expressed optimism ahead of their next match against Italy at 3:50 pm local time (9:50 am Kenyan time).
