The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Sensational Badminton Player, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, for her determination and focus which ensured that Nigeria won its first medal at the ongoing 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, noted that Bolaji’s steady build-up to the Games showed signs of promising display which set the continent alight with a historic feat.
The number Sports Writer in Nigeria further enthused, “I recall how this young Nigerian young whose gradual rise to stardom is inspiring, took the world by storm by emerging champion earlier this year in Dubai and Spain, reaching the quarter-final at the World Championship in Thailand.
“Her performance has been consistent in a while and that should be the tonic for greater heights of her career full of potentials.
“Her story also demonstrates that hardwork amidst resilience pay handsomely. I believe she will record greater exploits going forward.”
Bolaji, an 18-year-old secured a podium finish three years after her coach, Bello Oyebanji, perished in a car accident when she was training for the Tokyo Paralympics.
En route to winning bronze, she dazzled strongly to become first African to reach semi-final of the Paralympics in the Para badminton Women’s singles SL3 event.
While settling for the ‘golden bronze, Bolaji comfortably beat Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana.