KAHINGA , MUSEMBI POWER INTO FINALS AS MORE KENYANS EYE GLORY IN TOKYO

Musembi, who recently captured gold in the men’s 1,500m race, heads into the finals eyeing another top finish alongside Kahinga, who is also set to defend his silver medal in the men’s 5,000m.

Other Kenyan athletes have similarly qualified for finals, reflecting the country’s strong presence at the 25th Summer Deaflympics.

Musembi’s Breakthrough Gold and Upcoming Challenge. James Mwanza Musembi, a 21-year-old from Machakos County, made headlines by winning gold in the men’s 1,500m with a time of 3:45.61 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.

Musembi led the race from start to finish, demonstrating impressive dominance.

His coach, Samuel Kibet, lauded him as a future star in middle-distance deaf athletics.

With his confidence boosted by this victory, Musembi is focused on upcoming finals, including the fiercely competitive 5,000m race, where he will face rival and teammate Kahinga.

Ian Wambui Kahinga, known for his strategic racing, has successfully powered through to the finals to defend his silver medal in the men’s 5,000m.

Kahinga remains determined to improve on his previous performance, aiming to clinch the gold this time.

Kahinga said his sights are firmly set on winning gold medal and breaking the world record.

“Team Kenya is one and I’m not worried (about the competition he is facing from Musembi). James and I have a strategy that we are going to help each other to get the best time. My goal is to get the World record,” said Kahinga.

His presence in the finals alongside Musembi marks a promising front for Kenya’s medal prospects in long-distance events.

Beyond Kahinga and Musembi, other Kenyan athletes like Nelson and Sharon Bitok have also qualified for different finals, contributing to Kenya’s total medal haul of seven so far which includes two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes.

Sharon Bitok notably captured a bronze in the women’s 1,500m, continuing Kenya’s streak of podium finishes.

The Kenyan contingent’s performance continues to inspire hope among supporters and sports enthusiasts back home as they pursue more glory in Tokyo.

They will compete in the final on Sunday. Following Team Kenya’s impressive performance in the track and field events on Friday, Kenya’s coach Samuel Kibet exuded confidence that the country will win more accolades in the Games.

“Our players have done well from those competing in the javelin to running on the track. Tomorrow (Saturday), we expect those in the finals to give good accounts of themselves.

“Their impressive performances has given us more hopes of doubling our medal tally,” the veteran tactician stated.

Kenya’s athletes are not only competing fiercely but also serving as symbols of resilience and talent within the deaf sports community.

Their achievements at the Deaflympics highlight the nation’s growing strength and commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities on the world stage