Countdown begins for Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo - Team Germany eager for action
The Deaflympics, the oldest international multi-sport event for deaf athletes, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in Tokyo from November 15 to November 26, 2025. The Games will span 12 days across three cities: Tokyo, Fukushima, and Shizuoka.
The opening ceremony will take place on November 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, while the closing ceremony will be held on November 26, also at the same venue, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sports Program and Team Germany
The Deaflympics 2025 will feature 21 sports contested at multiple venues. Team Germany will participate in a total of twelve sports: Athletics, Handball, Shooting, Golf, Swimming, Bowling, Orienteering, Cycling, Judo, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, and Table Tennis.
In Handball, Germany is in Group A with host Japan, Turkey, and Brazil. Team Germany is looking forward to starting the Deaflympics with full motivation and commitment, aiming to set a solidarity sign in Tokyo.
Preparations and History
After the qualifying phase, the final training camps for Team Germany are underway. Katharina Pape, the President of the German Deaf Sports Association, has been preparing for such competitions since she was twelve. The Deaflympics stands for visibility and participation in international sports for deaf athletes, promoting cultural exchange, inclusion, and lived equality.
The Deaflympics have been held every four years since 1924, making it a significant milestone for German deaf sports. The Games promote a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, transcending language barriers through sign language and visual signals.
Key Events
The Official Draw Ceremony for Team Sports (Basketball, Football, Handball, Volleyball) was held on July 29, 2025, determining the group allocation for team competitions. This event was broadcast live online with International Sign interpretation.
The competition schedule lists sessions starting early morning through evening, with medal sessions indicated, featuring various heats, relays, and finals in athletics and other sports. The Deaflympics will emphasize accessibility with sign language interpretation during ceremonies and events.
As the countdown to the Deaflympics 2025 continues, the excitement builds among deaf athletes and fans worldwide. The Games promise to be a memorable celebration of resilience, unity, and achievement, marking a historic milestone in the world of deaf sports.
[1] Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics Official Website: https://www.tokyo2025.org/
[2] International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) Official Website: https://www.deaflympics.com/
[3] Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium Official Website: https://www.tokyo-metrogym.jp/en/
[4] Komazawa Olympic Park Official Website: https://www.komazawa-olympic-park.jp/en/
[5] Fukushima and Shizuoka Cities Official Websites: https://www.fukushima-city.jp/, https://www.shizuoka.city/
In the preparations for the Deaflympics 2025, Team Germany is focused on participating in sports such as football, a sport they will contest in the group stage alongside other nations. Over the years, the Deaflympics have fostered a unique camaraderie and sportsmanship among participating athletes, transcending language barriers through sign language and visual signals.
