A controversy has emerged at the 3rd Edition of the National Para Games in Abuja, as Kwara State’s para badminton star, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, has been denied official recognition of her gold medal despite winning her event.

Bolaji had earlier secured victory in the SL3 women’s singles para badminton category, delivering an impressive performance that earned her a gold medal. However, organisers later ruled that the medal would not be officially recorded due to insufficient participation in the event.

According to the organisers, the rules stipulate that a minimum of five states must compete in any event for medals to be recognised in the official tally. In the para badminton event, only three states Abia, Kwara, and Enugu, participated, falling short of the required number.

The organisers explained that while medals may still be presented to athletes, such results would not count in the official records if the participation requirement is not met.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Director of Sports, Mallam Hamidu Olowo, expressed disappointment over the decision, describing it as painful and unfair to the athlete.

“It is painful that Eniola was denied the gold medal,” Olowo said, blaming the organisers for going ahead with the event despite knowing that the number of participating states did not meet the stipulated requirement.

The Director of Kwara State Sports Commission however, counselled Eniola Mariam Bolaji not to despair, urging her to remain focused and optimistic, assuring her that better days lie ahead in her sporting career.