Para badminton: Bolaji wins gold again in Spain

 One week after winning gold at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria, Nigeria’s para-badminton player and world number two, Eniola Bolaji, has clinched another gold on her tour of the European country, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

The bronze medallist at the last Paralympics won the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday, defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) in the women’s final.

It was her third gold medal of 2025, extending her dominance in the SL3 category by also winning her second gold medal in two weeks.

Bolaji began her campaign with a straightforward win over India’s Sanjana Kumari (21-15, 21-8) in the second round, before another comfortable 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) win over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the third round.

The 19-year-old then booked her place in the final with a convincing win over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) in the final four.

Speaking about the heroics of Bolaji, the president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised her for her resilience and desire to win laurels at every given opportunity.

“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.

“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.”

Earlier this month, the player hinted at taking on more competitions this year as her stock continues to rise in the game.

“Last year, I promised myself to do more than I had ever done. The time is now, let us rise and cheerfully bring the victory home,” she said in an X post.

The Nigerian is the first African to win a badminton medal at the Olympics or Paralympics.