Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024

Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji Shines at Dubai Para Badminton International

Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji showcased her exceptional skills at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023, defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 21-16 21-17 to secure her place in the women’s singles Standing Lower SL3 quarterfinals. Bolaji, 18, expressed her excitement about the victory, emphasizing the perfection of her shots during the match.

With the support of the Nigerian Badminton Association, Bolaji has been undergoing intensive training in Spain under the guidance of coach Dina Mita for the past three weeks. Bolaji’s confidence in her abilities is evident as she looks forward to showcasing her skills and taking on top players in the tournament.

Nnanna eyes the competition

Teammate Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna also displayed exceptional performance despite losing 8-21 21-17 11-21 to SL4 men’s singles World No.3 Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj from India. Nnanna strategized to limit net play and pushed the shuttle to the back of the court, relying on long rallies to challenge his opponent. He credits his late coach Bello Rafiu Oyebanji for introducing him to the sport and is keen on learning from other players in the tournament.

Shin fights the effects of ageing

Korea’s Shin Kyung Hwan and Joo Dongjae consider Indian players as their main competition in the men’s SL4 and SL3 singles and doubles categories. Shin, 36, acknowledges the challenges of age and physical exhaustion, requiring him to rely more on mental strategies against his opponents. He acknowledges the exceptional timing and game reading abilities of Suhas Yathiraj.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

Joo assesses India's success

For Joo, the formidable player he faces from India is Kumar Nitesh. Despite his best efforts, Joo has been unable to overcome this opponent, attributing it to a mental block. Shin and Kwan also participate in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 category, which although not featured in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, will be contested in the world championships in March next year. They are determined to find a winning strategy against the Indian players.

India’s success in the tournament raises questions for Joo. He suggests that their large pool of talented athletes and the familiarity with their disabilities from a young age could give them an advantage in body movement and coordination.

FAQs

  1. What is the standing of Mariam Eniola Bolaji in the tournament?
    Mariam Eniola Bolaji has advanced to the women’s singles Standing Lower SL3 quarterfinals.

  2. Who is Mariam Eniola Bolaji’s coach?
    She has been training under the guidance of coach Dina Mita in Spain.

  3. How did Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna perform in the tournament?
    Despite losing, Nnanna displayed exceptional skills and took a game off his opponent.

  4. Who are the Indian players that Korean players find challenging?
    Shin Kyung Hwan mentions Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, and Joo Dongjae mentions Kumar Nitesh.

  5. Why does Joo Dongjae believe Indian players are successful?
    Joo suggests that a larger pool of athletes born with disabilities and early exposure to body movement contribute to their success.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji’s outstanding performance highlights her potential in the Dubai Para Badminton International tournament. Her victory against India’s Mandeep Kaur and her confidence in her abilities demonstrate her skill and determination. Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna’s resilience and strategic play are commendable, even in defeat. The Korean players recognize the challenge posed by Indian players and are determined to find ways to overcome them. The tournament continues to showcase exceptional talent and fierce competition.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Tour