Breaking Barriers: The inspiring journey of multi-talented Anthony Otwal
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Reading Time: 6min | Thu. 06.11.25. | 11:18
“Let your disability not be a challenge but your inspiration. Embrace it, challenge it, and push yourself. Nothing beats that.”
When you first meet Anthony Otwal, his warm smile and calm demeanor might not immediately reveal the fighter within him, a man who has learned to balance the speed of badminton with the spirit of hockey.
Today, Otwal proudly represents Parklands Sports Club Hockey Club, Legacy, and is a continental gold medalist in para badminton, yet his story began humbly, fueled by curiosity, courage, and an unwavering spirit to prove that physical limitations can never cage one’s dreams.
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Otwal’s introduction to sports came almost by accident. After his primary education while staying with his cousin in Baba Dogo Estate, he used to go swimming at Kasarani Sports Complex. But one day, while walking around the indoor arenas, something caught his attention: a group of people playing badminton. “That’s how I got interested," he recalls.
That moment of curiosity planted a seed that would later blossom into passion. When he joined Homabay High School, fortune smiled upon him again; the sport was part of the school’s activities. He joined the team in form one and quickly made his mark.
“By form two, I was already the captain,” he says proudly. “I think my determination and leadership came naturally because I wanted to give my best.”
But his journey in sports did not end with badminton. A friend, Phellix Mandela, challenged him to try hockey, a sport not entirely new to him at the time.
“He told me to give hockey a try, and once I did, I fell in love with it,” explains Otwal. “By form four, I was the captain of the school team, and we managed to take the school to provincials for the first time in a long while.”
It was the first sign of the determination that would come to define him, a small-statured player leading from the front, defying perceptions and rewriting expectations.
Discovering Para Badminton and a New Chapter
Otwal’s story took another turn while at university. During one of the Little People Society of Kenya meetups, a friend, Ruth Mueni, introduced him to para badminton, a competitive sport that allows athletes with disabilities to represent their countries on international stages.
“Ruth told me about para badminton and how we could even represent Kenya internationally,” he says. “With my background in badminton, I decided to give it a shot.”
His natural skill and prior experience paid off. During the national trials in 2018, Otwal made the Kenya national para badminton team, marking the start of a remarkable journey.
Since then, he has flown the Kenyan flag high in Uganda (2019), Dubai (2021), Egypt (2024), and most recently Nigeria (2025), where he made history by winning gold in men’s singles and silver in mixed doubles at the African Continental Para Badminton Championship held from 7-12 October.
“Winning those medals really made a mark,” he says. “It shows that regardless of the problems we’re facing, we are still trying. We haven’t lost hope that things will get better.”
Balancing Two Demanding Sports
To most athletes, the idea of excelling in one sport is demanding enough. But Otwal thrives in two, and both require immense fitness, discipline, and mental sharpness.
“Badminton is fast and very competitive, and hockey is also demanding,” he explains. “My hockey training helps my fitness in badminton because I don’t have a different training schedule from the rest. I train just like everyone else, and that keeps me at the top level for both sports.”
Unlike many who might expect special treatment due to his physical stature, Otwal refuses any form of preferential handling.
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“I’ve never asked to be treated differently,” he says firmly. “I always want to challenge myself. I play badminton in the morning and hockey in the evening, so they don’t clash.”
For Otwal, fitness is not just a requirement; it’s a mindset. Regardless of his height, he does not see any limitation in what he can achieve.
“I don’t see my height as a challenge or limitation; I’ve always embraced my physical challenges and adapted to everything.”
Behind Otwal’s unbreakable drive lies a strong foundation, his family. He comes from a household that has always valued sports.
“Everyone in our family has played different sports,” he says. “Our parents really pushed us. It’s just unlucky that my mother never got the chance to watch me play because she passed away before I joined high school.”
Her absence became a silent source of strength. His father, on the other hand, became his greatest cheerleader and motivator, urging him to work hard both in life and in sports.
“My dad has always been there for me,” he shares. “And my coaches, teammates, and friends have also supported me mentally. Imagine having a disability and still being chosen as captain, that alone pushes you to believe that nothing is impossible.”
After high school, Otwal joined Bay Hockey Club in his hometown, Homa Bay. It was there that he first tasted league success.
“We played in the National League and won it, which earned us promotion to the Premier League in 2016.”
When he joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), sports temporarily took a back seat as he tried to balance business and academics. But the call of the pitch was too strong.
“After two years, I went back and joined the JKUAT hockey team,” he says. “We had one of our best seasons in 2019, going unbeaten in the National League and earning promotion to the Super League.”
Now at Parklands Sports Club Legacy Hockey Club, Otwal continues to play with purpose and passion.
“Parklands has really welcomed me,” he says. “I’m still new, getting to know people, but the experience has been good. And as always, I don’t get any special treatment, I don’t want it.”
Battling Administrative Barriers in Badminton
Even as he thrives in his craft, the road hasn’t been entirely smooth. Kenya’s badminton scene has suffered from leadership wrangles that led to the suspension of the Kenya Badminton Federation by the Badminton World Federation in 2021.
“It’s been tough,” he admits. “We haven’t been able to compete regularly or gain points to qualify for major events like the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, or Paralympics. But we’re hopeful. Egypt in January and Nigeria recently were signs that things are getting better.”
Despite the setbacks, Otwal’s performances have ensured Kenya’s presence is still felt on the continental stage. His gold and silver medals in Nigeria stand as proof that Kenya can still shine, even amidst challenges.
Otwal’s ambitions are crystal clear: he wants to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. But he’s also realistic about the journey ahead.
“This is just about gaining points and improving my ranking. My short-term goal is to compete more internationally to boost my points. My long-term dream is to play in the Paralympics, the World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games, and win.”
When it comes to hockey, his focus is more social but still grounded in ambition.
“Right now, hockey keeps me fit,” he says. “I may not make it to the national team, but I want to win the leagues we’re playing in with Parklands, and I know we can.”
A Mindset That Breaks Barriers
Otwal’s mantra sums up his philosophy:
“Keep your imagination right and possibilities will be limitless.”
It’s this mindset that keeps him pushing boundaries, proving that physical differences are not weaknesses but unique strengths.
“These two sports require passion and determination,” he says. “Once you know what you want, go for it. I’m always trying to taste victory; it’s a beautiful feeling.”
And his message to young athletes, especially those with disabilities, carries the wisdom of lived experience:
“Let your disability not be a challenge but your inspiration. Embrace it, challenge it, and push yourself. Nothing beats that.”
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