Eniola Bolaji Wins Women’s SL3 Title at 2025 British & Irish Para Badminton International
By Frank Ulom
CARDIFF (CONVERSEER) – Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has won the women’s SL3 singles title at the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, defeating world No. 1 and Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in a pulsating final at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.
Bolaji, who is ranked among the fastest-rising stars in para badminton, produced one of the finest performances of her career to edge Syakuroh 2-1 (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) in a high-intensity final.
The Nigerian started strongly, taking the first set 21-16, but Syakuroh levelled in the second with an identical scoreline. In the decider, Bolaji trailed early but mounted a spirited comeback, dominating the latter stages to seal the championship.
Path to the Title
Bolaji’s journey to the crown saw her overcome top international opponents. She defeated Australia’s Celine Vinot 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) in the second round, swept past France’s Milena Surreau 2-0 (21-8, 21-18) and eased past India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-5, 21-15) in the quarterfinals.
She then faced Vinot again in the semifinals and won convincingly 2-0 (21-4, 21-8), setting up the showdown with Syakuroh.
The victory is Bolaji’s biggest international success so far and comes just two weeks after she won gold in the Women’s Singles SL3 category at the 5th Abia National Open Para Badminton Championship in Abia State, Nigeria.
About SL3
The SL3 classification in para badminton is designated for athletes with lower limb impairments who compete while standing and have reduced walking or running balance. It is one of the competitive classes recognised by the Badminton World Federation for para athletes.
