African Para Badminton Champion, Eniola Bolaji and five others are set to compete at the 2024 Egypt International Para Badminton Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
The 2024 Egypt International Para Badminton Championship begins today (23rd January) till 28th January.
Eniola Bolaji defeated World number 1 Ikhtiar Syakuroh (Indonesia) 2-1 (21-7, 13-21, 21-11) to win gold in the women’s singles SL3 at the 5th Pazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023 in Dubai last December.
Bolaji told www.aclsports.com that the Championship will serve as a preparatory phase for the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 in Thailand next month.
The multiple National Champion said she is not travelling for mere participation but to return with the gold medal.
She said, “I am physically and mentally fit for the Championship in Egypt. My target is to win my category and further cement my position as African best in the women’s singles SL3 as well as secure more points for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
“My target is to remain focused and perform well because I have to remain at the top of my game. The Championship will also serve as a training tour/program ahead of the World Championship in Thailand. I am aware I will definitely meet experienced players who are ready to give me a tough fight”.
Bolaji revealed that beating World no 1 and Asia no 1 in the Dubai Championship was not a fluke or mistake.
The other players are Jeremiah Chigozie, Chukwuebuka Eze, Emmanuel Ohaeri, Gift Chukwuebuka, and Chinyere Okoro who are bankrolled by the Abia State Government. The team will be handled by the coach of Abia State Para Badminton Team, Ngozi Philip.
