Paralympic bronze medallist clinches 2025 Para-Badminton title in Cardiff
Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has won the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, held at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, Wales.
The world No. 2 Bolaji claimed a thrilling 2-1 victory (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) against world No. 1 and Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in the women’s SL3 final.
Bolaji took the first set 21-16, before Syakuroh levelled with a 21-16 win in the second set.
In a gripping third set, Syakuroh led at 13 points before Bolaji surged from 11 to claim the win 21-13 and lift the title.
Bolaji opened her campaign with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) victory over Australia’s Celine Vinot in Round 2.
She next beat world No. 10 Milena Surreau of France 2-0 (21-8, 21-18), followed by a 2-0 (21-5, 21-15) win over India’s Sanjana Kumari.
In the semi-finals, Bolaji defeated Celine Vinot again with a commanding 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) to reach the final.
This marks Bolaji’s biggest international title till date, earning praise from the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih.
Mr Orbih described her win as proof of her dedication and resilience, especially after previously losing to Syakuroh in the Paris 2024 Paralympics semi-finals.
“I am pleased with this victory, especially as she defeated the world number one who beat her in Paris last year,” said Mr Orbih.
He added that Bolaji has shown immense progress and expressed hope she maintains her form heading into the next Paralympic Games.
“The BFN, BCA, and National Sports Commission are proud of her efforts in elevating Nigeria and Africa in global para badminton,” he added.
The 2025 tournament, which began on July 22, concluded on Saturday at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.
(NAN)
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