NIGERIAN star Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won the women’s singles SL3 title at the just concluded Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 in Victoria, Spain.
The world No.10 defeated world No.6 Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine 2-0 (21-13, 21-8) to win the top prize over the weekend.
Bolaji had defeated world No.13 Emona Ivanova (Bulgaria) 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) to set up a clash with the 2023 silver medallist in the finals.
In the second round, Bolaji defeated India’s Kaur Mandeep, seeded No.1, 2-0 (21-10, 21-8), after an earlier victory over Victoria Bailey of England 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) in round one.
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed delight at the latest victory of Bolaji.
Orbih said Bolaji’s performance has been encouraging, adding that she has become a force in world para badminton.
“I am excited Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won her second Spanish International since making her debut in 2021. Bolaji won her first gold medal in 2021 and made history in 2024 by winning the gold medal against highly experienced Oksana Kozyna,” Orbih said.
“Kozyna (world No.6) who had a better edge looking at the statistics because she placed second in 2023 but Bolaji showed class in the final with her spectacular performance in the final.
“On behalf of the badminton community, I want to commend Bolaji for her dedication, determination and zeal. Her performance has been encouraging since she broke into the limelight and she has become a force to reckon with.
“The Paris Paralympic Games is fast approaching and the Federation will do everything within its powers to see that she gets adequate attention because she stands a better chance of winning a medal for Nigeria.”
