Mariam Eniola Bolaji (SL3) assured herself a ticket to the semifinals after winning her third round-robin match 21-5 21-15 over Sanjana Kumari (SL3) on Day 3 of the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025. As a result of topping her group, the world No.2 will progress straight to the semis.
Speaking from the Sport Wales National Centre to BWF, she revealed how fully focused she is on Para badminton. “I have quit school. I am completely and utterly dedicated to Para badminton. I’m training every day and thinking about badminton all the time. My hard work is really paying off.”
The Nigerian is on course to collect a fourth title in 2025 after her championship wins at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 I, Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 II and the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025 in January. But the Paralympic bronze medallist from Paris 2024 is not one to rest on her laurels and was ruing her mistakes despite a solid win.
“I made some mistakes in the second game. I got off to such a good start and then I just wasn’t finding the lines well enough. I don’t think Kumari did anything differently in the second game, I just made so many mistakes. I don’t have my coach with me this week but I do have Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna (SL4) in the coaching chair. He’s my teammate and supporter. It’s been really fun having him at all my matches. We support one another.”
Mental Fortitude on Show
Double Paralympic silver medallist and home hope Daniel Bethell (SL3) has been approaching 2025 with a new attitude. One that helps build a strong mentality. One much needed in a badminton, where the sport is as much mentally demanding as it is physical.
“I’m doing stuff on my own at the moment,” revealed the 29-year-old on his decision to not have coaching during matches, temporarily.
Bethell claimed a convincing win over Dinesh Rajaih 21-4 21-5 in 20 minutes to top Group B.
“Richard Morris (Bethell’s coach) is still in my camp, just not in the coaching chair to help me build mental fortitude. He will definitely be there in the future. It’s an extra challenge for me, making sure that I can identify areas that I need to improve on, momentum and where it swings. It’s important to think about what I need to do to change things. I think it puts me in a good place, because when I do have coaches back in the chair, we’re going to be really hard to beat.”
Bethell is building his mental strength.
What They Said
“I learnt a lot from watching my previous matches against her. It was interesting to see her play in a new category. I knew if I could push her to three games, I could win. I’ve been working on some things in training and that helped my confidence.” – Celine Vinot (SL3) after her 21-17 14-21 23-21 victory and first win over Milena Surreau.
“Everything feels good. My body and mind are in good condition. I try to play badminton as much as I can while looking after my son who is now three-years-old. I can’t believe it.” – Leani Ratri Oktila after securing a semifinal spot alongside teammate Khalimatus Sadiyah, plus balancing a successful career with motherhood.
“It’s great to have team support here. It makes a big difference being able to compete at a home event as you can have more of your team members with you. It was a crucial win for us and we’re happy with our performance.” – Jack Shephard (SH6) after he and Rachel Choong (SH6) defeated Ivan Segura and Oliwia Szmigel 21-16 21-11 to book their tickets to the quarterfinals.
“I have been playing Para badminton for a round 10 years and I have seen many players come and go. It’s great to see more and more women getting involved in the sport. I have made so many friends with this sport and hope to see more women join.” – Man Kei To (WH1)
To in action at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025.
BWF Newsletter
