Deaflympics: Kenya land tough groups ahead of Brazil games

The 1st Africa Deaf Athletics Championship Games at Kasarani stadium on Monday Sept 16, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya has been drawn against tough opponents in the delayed 2021 Deaflympics set to kick off in Caxias Do Sul in Brasil from May 1 this year. 

In men’s handball, Kenya who are the Africa champions are in Group 'A' alongside hosts Brazil, Germany, Serbia and Cameroon.

In Group B, Turkey will face Denmark, Croatia, Venezuela and Colombia.

In the women’s category, the matches will be played in a round-robin format after only five countries qualified.

Kenya will once again face hosts Brazil, Turkey, Argentina and Denmark.

The two sides had on March 11 named a provisional squad of 25 players each following successful trials at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The final squad will have 15 players who will do duty in Brazil.

In the women’s football competition, five teams namely; Brazil, Kenya, Japan, United States and champions Denmark will also play in a round robin format.

For the women’s football national team, they named a 35-woman provisional squad in February which will be whittled down to 25 players.

Both men’s and women’s basketball teams, who are yet to know their opponents in Brazil.

All the teams are expected to enter camp from Monday to start preparation.