Kenya’s quest for sporting glory is set to expand to the badminton court as a four-person squad prepares for the country’s historic debut at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, scheduled for November 15 to 26 in Japan.

The trailblazing team comprises Titus Kiprop (30), Joseph Kago (33), Teresa Wambui (32), and Maryline Wanjiru (31), all of whom earned their spots during competitive trials held in Mombasa that attracted participants from 14 counties.

Under the guidance of former Kenya men’s doubles top seed, Morgan Kirimi, the team is setting an ambitious target: clinching medals on their first outing.

“I feel very happy to be among the players who will represent the country internationally in deaf badminton for the first time. My aim is to bring a medal back home,” stated team captain Teresa Wambui, a chef by profession who only took up badminton in 2019 after transitioning from football.

The motivation is high, fueled in part by the government’s revised cash reward scheme, which promises a substantial Sh3 million for every gold medal won at major championships.

Coach Kirimi confirmed this incentive is driving the players. “My target as a coach is to bring fame to the country. I am hoping to get some medals… every player is keen to get more package on that,” he said.

The athletes are intensifying their preparations, training three times a week at either Pumwani Social Hall or the Nairobi Jaffrey Sports Club, and sparring against hearing players to sharpen their competitive edge.

In Tokyo, the quartet will compete across men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and the mixed doubles events, aiming to establish Kenya as a new force in deaf international badminton.

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