Among a string of recent successful candidates from the BWF female development grant were several debutants at the Spanish International 2021.
Nigeria’s Mariam Eniolo Bolaji in Standing Lower (SL3), competed as a beneficiary of the BWF Female Participation Grant at the Spanish International 2021 event and remarkedly claimed gold as she stunned experienced player, Oksana Kozyna (SL3) from the Ukraine 18-21 21-14 21-18 to clinch her first gold medal in the women’s singles event.
Astonishingly, Bolaji made history by being the first African to clinch a title at a major para badminton international championship outside of the continent.
“I’m so grateful to the BWF for this opportunity. I’m really happy,” said Bolaji.
“Since being given the grant I‘ve met some wonderful people and I hope to win many more tournaments. I have made Africans proud of me,” added Bolaji.