Julius OkorieEniola Bolaji is in a party mood after claiming Bronze in the Badminton event of the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris France, Monday.
It is the first medal for Nigeria so far in the event that kicked off shortly after the 33rd Olympic Games, at the same venue, that saw the United States top the medal table.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIncidentally, Team Nigeria that paraded 88 athletes at the Paris Olympics, failed to win a medal.
In achieving her Bronze on Monday, Bolaji defeated Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine 2-0 (21-9 and 21-9) in the Women Singles SL3 category.
The Ibadan born athlete, it will be recalled dumped tennis for Para-Badminton and was able to make a smooth change thanks to her former coach, Bello Oyebanji, who unfortunately lost his life in an accident and would have been happy to see his product excel at the Olympics.
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Bolaji had earlier lost the semifinal clash on Sunday as a result of broken racket in the course of play and pressure.
Speaking after she lost the semi-final match, Bolaji said: “I lost my semi-final match yesterday due to the pressure I put myself. I was anxious to win, and because I had beaten my opponent twice before the Olympics, I was eager to win.
”In the process, I made a lot of mistakes that she took advantage of. I have learnt my lesson, that I have to be calm no matter the pressure,” Bolaji said.
Dina Sarinena, the athlete’s Coach, said Bolaji put up a brilliant performance at the games.
“Bolaji did well at the games, being her first Olympic. She lost the semi-final due to pressure, she had issue of broken racket, and the Chinese was better and more experienced.
An appreciative President of Paralympic Committee Nigeria, Sunday Odebode, expressed hope that Bolaji’s Bronze will open doors for more laurels.
“We are all very happy for the medal; we believe this will open doors for more medals for us. Bolaji deserves silver or even gold medal, she made some mistakes which cost her semi-final match.
But she has learnt her lesson, being her first Olympic,” Odebode said.
The Paralympic Games are primarily an opportunity for the world’s top disabled athletes to compete alongside their peers and show their skills on an international platform.
Sixty one countries have already registered their names on the medal table with China leading to pack so far with 42 Gold, 29 Silver and 13 Bronze followed by Britain, USA and hosts France in that order.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
