Ian Kahinga claims 10,000m gold as Kenya dominates Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Kahinga stormed to victory in 29:19.56, followed by Kipkogei in 29:27.63 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium. China’s Xu Kuantin took third place in 30:04.83.
Kenya dominated the men's 10,000m race at the ongoing 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, with Ian Wambui Kahinga claiming gold and David Kipkogei finishing second.
Kahinga stormed to victory in 29:19.56, followed by Kipkogei in 29:27.63 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium. China’s Xu Kuantin took third place in 30:04.83.
After the race, Kahinga expressed his surprise at taking the top spot despite his rigorous training.
"Before I started, I did not know that I was going to win. I thank God for the win and the government for the support that they have given us," he said.
"I have been training for a long time, and I was able to do well in the race. This win really excites me."
Confidence boosted
Kahinga added that the victory has boosted his confidence as he now shifts focus to the 1,500m and 5,000m events, where he hopes to secure more gold medals later in the tournament.
"Today I got the 10,000m gold medal, but I will be competing in the 1500m event soon, which I hope to win. I will also be participating in the 5,000m race, and I hope to win too," he said.
For Kipkogei, a 2009 Deaflympics gold medallist in Taiwan, the silver medal carried special significance, especially given the setbacks he faced in previous editions, including narrowly missing gold in Brazil in 2022.
Going for gold
"When we participated in the Deaflympics in Brazil, I was really going for gold, but I was not able to get it. When we came to Tokyo, we did have challenges, like I did not get the shoes I prefer running in, but that did not stop me. I continued with my training because I know the goals I want to reach," he said.
"I have done well and gotten a silver, and I am really excited."
Kenya’s strong performance extended beyond the 10,000m. The team also secured a podium finish in the 4x400m mixed relay, with Isaac Atima, Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza claiming silver in 3:40.05. They finished behind Ukraine, who won in 3:33.91, while Colombia took bronze in 3:40.65.
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