Kenya’s deaf golf star Isaac Makokha eyes gold at Tokyo 2025 deaflympics
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 04.11.25. | 14:12
With less than two weeks to go, the team has intensified its training at various golf clubs in Nairobi, fine-tuning their swing and strategy for the world stage.
Kenya's deaf golf sensation Isaac Makokha is on a mission to turn his 2022 bronze medal from Brazil into gold at the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, set for 15-26 November in Japan.
Fresh from a series of impressive performances on local fairways, the 33-year-old Vet Lab Sports Club golfer says he feels sharper, stronger, and more determined ahead of his second global appearance.
Makokha will lead Team Kenya’s deaf golf contingent, which includes seasoned players; Adan Wario, Gilbert Alikula, and rising teenage star Jacinta Njeri, who will make her Deaflympics debut.
With less than two weeks to go, the team has intensified its training at various golf clubs in Nairobi, fine-tuning their swing and strategy for the world stage.
Speaking after a training session at Vet Lab, a confident Makokha said,
“I have practiced well and my body feels great. I am optimistic about converting that bronze from Brazil into gold in Tokyo.”
Makokha made history in 2022 when he became the first Kenyan deaf golfer to win a medal at the Deaflympics, securing bronze after defeating Germany’s Guldan Nico by two up.
He narrowly missed gold to German champion John Allen, a rival he is eager to face again.
“Allen is a strong opponent but I am ready to face him head-on. My game is better, my body is in top form, and I believe I can beat him this time,” he said.
To earn his Tokyo ticket, Makokha topped a pool of 15 local deaf golfers through multiple strokeplay and matchplay tournaments.
Among his standout achievements is his victory at the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitational, where he stunned abled-bodied golfers including reigning champion Michael Karanga.
“Competing against top golfers in the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing has really sharpened my skills. I have worked on my strength and flexibility, and I am confident about my game heading into Tokyo,” he added.
Despite his success, Makokha highlighted the lack of proper equipment as one of the challenges facing deaf golfers in Kenya.
Team Kenya coach David Kihara is backing Makokha to make history again.
“He has trained hard, competed in several demanding tournaments, and I believe this time he is ready to bring home something bigger than bronze,” Kihara said.
