Nairobi: Team Kenya co-captains Isaac Atima and Linet Nanjala have expressed confidence that the squad will deliver its best-ever performance at the Deaflympics in the summer games set for Tokyo from November 15 to 26. The Kenyan team is currently in a residential training camp at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani in Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya will be making its eighth appearance in the quadrennial multi-sport event after debuting in 1997 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the years, Kenya has steadily improved its performance in the global championships, establishing itself as a powerhouse in deaf sports.
Tasked with leading a contingent of 177 athletes in Tokyo, Atima and Nanjala said they have faith the team will surpass the 24 medals (five gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze) won at the 2022 edition held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. 'As Team Kenya we are hopeful to win very many medals in Tokyo. That I can assure you. We want to do our best in the camp so that when we compete, we fly the flag of our country high,' said Nanjala during an interview at the sideline of the training.
'Personally, I'm focused on returning home with a gold medal from Japan,' added Nanjala, who bagged silver medals in both 4x400m mixed relay and Women's 4x400m relay and a bronze in the women's 400m in Brazil. On his part, Atima who is raring to go in the men's 400m and 400m hurdles categories stated that he is hopeful that the athletics team will bring a lot of medals like before noting that the target is to surpass the previous record and stamp Kenya's authority in the Games.
'My personal expectation is that I will bring my very own medal to be an example as a captain. I can assure you that I will make it to the podium in Tokyo,' he said. The duo admitted that the cash awards from the government is a big motivation for every member of Team Kenya to give their best in the Summer Games.
Last month, the government enhanced athletes' cash rewards scheme with every gold medal at major championships attracting Sh 3 million up from Sh 750,000. Silver medalists earn Sh2 million, an increase from Sh500,000, while bronze medalists receive Sh1 million, up from Sh350,000. In Tokyo, Kenya will compete in athletics, golf, men's handball, women's basketball, and swimming. Kenya's 24-medal overhaul in Brazil remains the country's best ever performance in the Deaflympics.
Previously in the 2017 Summer Deaflympics held in Samsun, Turkey, Kenya was first in Africa and ninth globally with 16 medals (five gold, five silver, and six bronze). Kenya also finished ninth with 16 medals (six gold, five silver, and five bronze) in the 2013 games held in Sofia, Bulgaria.