Kwara’s Mariam Bolaji Eniola has won the Singles event of Dubai Para Badminton Championship, and doing so with style, after beating world record holders on her way to the gold medal feat.
Eniola defeated World Number 5, Number 3 and Number 1 during the Para Badminton in Dubai on her way to Paralympics 2024, at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton international 2023.
In Round One, Eniola, in SL3 Women’s Singles event, beat Emoma Ivanovna from Bulgaria two straight sets, 21-10, 21-8.
The Kwara athlete also defeated Mandeep Kaur from India two straight sets, 21-16 ,21-17, in the Second Round, to book her place to the quarter-final.
In the quarter-final, Eniola beat Manasi Joshi also from India, 21-13, 21-11.
In the semi-final, Eniola beat Zuxian Xiao from China two sets to one, 21-13, 20-22, 21-15, to book her place in the final.
In the final, Eniola defeated World Number One, Syakuroh Qonitah from Indonesia two sets to one, 21-7, 13-21, 21-11 to clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Singles SL3, putting Kwara and Nigeria on world map.
While reacting to the ground-breaking feat, Kwara SWAN, in a release signed by its Secretary, Dare Kuti called on relevant stakeholders in the state and beyond, to support Eniola to achieve her dreams.
“SWAN is calling on relevant stakeholders in Kwara State to take Eniola Mariam Bolaji’s case up. There is a huge possibility that she might become the first Para Badminton player to win a medal for the country with her current form. She is yet to lose a match (National and International in 2023).
“She needs all the support as we enter into the year 2024. Bolaji is a national treasure and should be focused on. Government alone cannot do it; we need to rally round this young girl and ensure he dreams become a reality”, the release added.
