For a long time, Maria Guadalupe Rojas Perez’s toughest opponent wasn’t across the net. It lived in the quiet moments – when she compared herself to able-bodied people, when she wondered if she truly belonged on badminton’s biggest stages, when she asked herself whether she could keep going.
On Wednesday, those questions began to fade.
With a stirring 21-13 17-21 21-12 win over Bulgaria’s Emona Ivanova, the 20-year-old Mexican qualified for the knockout stage of BWF Para Badminton World Championships for the first time in her career. The result secured her place in the SL3 women’s singles last 16, and more importantly, confirmed something she has been slowly learning to believe.
“I feel very happy and excited,” Rojas Perez said. “Because before coming here, I set myself the goal of getting past the group stage and I’ve achieved that goal.”
The moment carried the weight of memory. Just two years ago in Pattaya, she left the World Championships winless, losing all three group matches. This time, she finished second in Group F, winning two matches and turning past disappointment into proof of growth.
“Very proud, very fulfilled to see my work and my progress and that it has all been worth it,” she said.
Rojas Perez retrieves a shuttle during the match.
Rojas Perez only began competing three years ago but the journey has been anything but easy. Alongside the physical demands came a mental battle – one shaped by comparison and persistent self-doubt.
“I’ve been in a constant struggle to believe I can keep going, to stop comparing myself to other people,” she said. “The truth is it has been hard work, both physically and mentally. Now I see everything is worth it.”
Like many fighters, she draws inspiration from one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.
“I like Carolina Marín’s passion, how she’s up there fighting for every point,” Rojas Perez said. “I love that she does everything with grit.”
Beyond this tournament, her ambitions extend far past results. The Paralympic Games remain a goal but personal growth matters just as much.
“To improve myself every day as a person physically and mentally,” she said, “to grow sportingly and humanly, to inspire others and transmit beautiful things.”
WHAT OTHERS SAID
“I went to Paris to watch the Paralympics without even knowing Para badminton was a sport. Now I’m on court with some of the players I was watching and we are friends. That’s really special.” – Australian SL4 player Brandon Poon on his whirlwind year and a half
“My teachers have been really supportive. They help me during exams so I can pass them and give me so much encouragement. Their backing has helped me a lot on my badminton journey.” – Seventeen-year-old high school student Magdalena Kozera (WH2) on balancing education and sport
“Ranking is just a number. I was focused on the match because I really wanted to finish as Group G champion.” – Siti Maisarah Mat Lawani after beating SL3 women’s singles world No. 8 Manasi Joshi despite being 23 places lower in the rankings.
“I’ve never given a walkover in any event. I don’t like giving walkovers and I hate giving up without trying. So I decided I would stand and finish it.” – India’s SH6 men’s singles player Sivarajan Solaimalai on returning a day after injury despite barely being able to move on court
Kozera has taken a short break from studies to be in Manama.
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