Nigerian para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, claimed a sliver medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category at the Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025.
Playing in her sixth final of the year, Bolaji was poised to add another gold to her growing collection, but she retired when the score was at 20-16 in favour of her opponent in the first set.
Bolaji yielded the final to world number one, Syakuroh Ikhtiar, in the first set. World number two, Bolaji, suggested that the withdrawal was due to an injury.
“Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to retire from the final match after giving it my all,” Bolaji said. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but sometimes our bodies remind us that we’re only human.”
“I truly appreciate every one of you for the endless love, encouragement and support. It means more than words can express. I’m praying for a quick recovery and can’t wait to come back stronger, better and more focused.”
“The journey continues and the best is yet to come. Thank you for always believing in me,” she added.
Bolaji, 20, is the first African to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics. She won bronze in Paris 2024 after beating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9).
Chidi Nwoke, Abuja