By KPC Reporter
Veteran basketballer Winnie Adhiambo is set to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s women’s basketball team at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, scheduled for November 15–26 in Japan.
At 34, Adhiambo brings a wealth of experience, having competed alongside both hearing and non-hearing-impaired players—a versatility that has earned her the captain’s armband for the national Deaf team.
Kenya will be making its third consecutive appearance at the Summer Deaflympics, having debuted in 2017 in Samsun, Turkey.
With Adhiambo at the helm, the team is aiming for a historic medal finish.
“We’ve been training hard, and our main goal is to reach the podium in Tokyo,” said Adhiambo during a training session at USIU-Africa Grounds in Nairobi.
A mother of one, Adhiambo discovered basketball at age 19, inspired by friends.
Though she initially struggled to enjoy the sport, her passion grew steadily.
Today, she plays for Footprints in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) League, where she regularly trains with hearing players.
“Training with hearing teams has helped me improve my speed and technique. I share what I learn with my teammates in the Deaf team,” said Adhiambo, who dreams of becoming a coach in the future.
Head coach Mary Chepkoi praised Adhiambo’s leadership and resilience, noting her ability to thrive in both Deaf and hearing competitions.
“She’s not confined to the Deaf team. Winnie is outgoing and fearless—qualities we need in a captain,” said Chepkoi, who also led the squad at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
Kenya made headlines in Brazil with a historic win over the hosts, and the team is determined to build on that success.
In Tokyo, they’ll face formidable opponents in Group A, including Italy, Lithuania, and Australia.
Adhiambo emphasized the need to refine both offensive and defensive strategies, particularly man-marking drills.
The team, comprising 20 players from across the country, trains three times a week—Friday through Sunday.
“Many of our players are still learning the fundamentals of basketball, but we’re making progress,” said Chepkoi.
“We won one game in Brazil, and we’re aiming for better results this time. Lithuania will be our toughest challenge.”
Christine Kirui, chairperson of the Kenya Deaf Basketball Federation, expressed confidence in the team’s potential.
“We’re promising Kenyans a medal in Tokyo. That’s our goal, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got,” said Kirui.
