Tokyo, Japan | 18 November 2025
Day 2 of the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics saw Team South Africa stepping up across multiple sporting codes, with standout performances in athletics and golf. The team competed under brisk weather conditions, with a high of just 15°C and winds that made it feel even colder.
Despite the chill, our athletes delivered inspired efforts that continued to build momentum for the rest of the competition.
Athletics – Kamazawa Olympic Park
In the Men’s 100m Semi-Finals, Karabo Moeletsi ran a brilliant race, clocking 11.32 seconds to finish 6th in his heat, improving on his qualification time of 11.56. Though he did not progress to the final, Karabo’s steady improvement on the international stage is a positive indicator of what’s ahead in his athletic journey.
Meanwhile, Ronnie Shabalala competed in the Men’s High Jump Final, finishing 9th overall with a best height of 1.80m. Though short of his personal best of 1.90m (achieved at the 2025 National Deaf Games in Durban), Ronnie’s determination and form remained evident throughout the event.
Golf – Wakasu Golf Links
The opening round of the individual strokeplay competition saw South Africa’s golfers hold their own against a global field:
Both golfers remain in the running as they prepare for the second round tomorrow.
Coming Up – Table Tennis & Golf Round 2
19 November 2025
Tomorrow marks South Africa’s Table Tennis debut at the Tokyo Deaflympics. Competing in the Women’s Doubles are:
The match begins at 09:30 JST at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, alongside the start of Men’s Doubles events.
On the golf course, Charles and Gail will take on Round 2 of the strokeplay tournament at Wakasu Golf Links both looking to improve on today’s solid starts.
Team South Africa continues to show heart, growth, and unity on the global stage. Stay tuned for more daily updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and athlete highlights from the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.
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