The Deaflympics are international multi-sport games where deaf athletes compete at the highest level. The event is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Unlike the Olympics or Paralympics, athletes at the Deaflympics cannot rely on sound signals such as whistles or starting guns. Instead, visual signals are used during competitions.
The games have been organized since 1924 by the Comité International des Sports des Sourds (CISS). For more than 100 years, the Deaflympics have been a symbol of excellence and equal opportunity in sport.
In November 2025, the Deaflympics were held in Tokyo. The event not only celebrated sports talent but also introduced new ways to experience live matches. For many fans, sport is about the sound the cheer of the crowd or the hit of the ball. But in Tokyo, sound was presented in creative ways so no one felt left out.
Inside the table tennis arena, giant animated Japanese words appeared on screens above the court. These bold graphics matched each hit of the ball. They visually showed the rhythm, speed, and power of the game. Instead of hearing the action, fans could see it.
The event also used modern technology such as AI-powered announcements and vibrations sent through seating areas. These vibrations allowed spectators to physically feel key moments in the match.
The Tokyo Deaflympics proved that sport can be inclusive and innovative. Sound was transformed into something people could see and feel, opening a new chapter for global sports events.