By KPC Reporter
Kenya’s deaf golf ace Isaac Makokha is determined to turn his 2022 Brazil Deaflympics bronze medal into gold at the forthcoming Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, set for November 15–26.
The recent string of victories on the fairways by the 33-year-old heavy hitter has buoyed his spirits ahead of his second appearance on the global stage, where his main goal is to strike gold.
Makokha, who plays for Vet Lab Sports Club, will represent Kenya at the Tokyo showpiece alongside the experienced duo of Adan Wario and Gilbert Alikula, as well as teenage sensation Jacinta Njeri, who will be making her Deaflympics debut.
With less than two weeks to go before the Games in the Japanese city, the Kenyan team has been fine-tuning its preparations at various golf clubs across Nairobi.
Addressing the press after a training session at Vet Lab, a confident Makokha said he is in top form and eager for action.
“I have practiced well. My body feels in shape, and I’m optimistic that I’ll convert that bronze from Brazil into gold when I head to Tokyo,” he said.
By clinching bronze in Brazil, Makokha made history as the first Kenyan deaf golfer ever to win a Deaflympics medal.
He beat Germany’s Guldan Nico by two ups, before bowing out to fellow German John Allen, who went on to claim gold.
Makokha says he picked vital lessons from that Brazil experience and has since refined his technique — lessons he believes will give him an edge this time.
“Allen is a strong opponent, but I’m ready to face him head-on. I can knock him out this time because my body is on fire,” he asserted.
To qualify for the Tokyo Deaflympics, Makokha outplayed 15 other local deaf golfers in a series of strokeplay and matchplay championships.
Among his notable achievements this year was winning the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitational Golf Tournament in September, where he outclassed abled-bodied golfers, including defending champion Michael Karanga.
“I have participated in several tournaments and won many medals and trophies,” he added.
“The golfers in the ongoing Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, where I also take part, are very strong. I’ve learnt a lot from them, and that experience has prepared me for Tokyo.”
He said he has been focusing on improving his strength and flexibility, key areas he believes will define his performance in Japan.
However, Makokha also pointed out lack of equipment as one of the major challenges deaf golfers face.
Team Kenya’s deaf golf coach David Kihara is equally optimistic about Makokha’s prospects.
“He has trained very well, competed in several tough tournaments, and I think this time he’s ready to bring us something bigger than the bronze medal,” said Kihara.