Para-badminton: Eniola Bolaji wins gold again, sets African record in Spain
World number two Eniola Bolaji has reinforced her dominance in para-badminton SL3, securing her second gold medal in two weeks.
The Paralympic bronze medallist defeated Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) in the women’s final at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Bolaji began her campaign with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) victory over India’s Sanjana Kumari in the second round, followed by another straight-set win, 2-0 (21-9, 21-12), against Turkey’s Yildiz in the third round.
The multiple African champion, who clinched gold at the Para-Badminton II tournament in Vitoria last week, then swept past Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) in the semifinal.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji’s resilience and continued record-breaking achievements in para-badminton.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments. This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence,” Orbih said.
He added, “Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”
