Jayce
On the final day of the 2024 Four Nations Para-Badminton International, Syakuroh Qonitah Ikhtiar defeated Manasi Girishchandra Joshi in just 28 minutes to win the gold medal. The Indonesian player triumphed with scores of 21-6, 21-12 over the 2019 World Champion.
“I’m very happy and grateful to have won because this was our last competition before heading to Paris for the Paralympics.”
The SL3 Women’s Singles is a newly added para-badminton event in the Paralympics.
“I was very excited to hear about the competition. I’ve been training hard to ensure I’m prepared for it. I was nervous but also excited. It’s my first time going to Paris, and my team and I will leave a month early to acclimate to the environment. I think I did well in Scotland, but the best is yet to come,” Ikhtiar said with enthusiasm.
In the SH6 Women’s Singles, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan won the gold medal by defeating the 2023 Pan American Champion Carmen Giuliana Poveda Flores with scores of 21-17, 15-21, 21-17. Sivan, after her victory at the Emirates Stadium, is confident about her chances in Paris.
“I played a good game. I made some mistakes in the second set, and she did too. Sometimes it’s like that. I’m ready for the physical challenges,” the Indian player said.
“I’m very happy to be a Paralympic athlete. The SH6 level was added to this Paralympics, which is fantastic for me. Compared to Level 1, this is a major event. Competing in the Paralympics has been a dream of mine for life, and it’s finally coming true. I will do my best.”
Sivan is eager to become a Paralympic athlete this summer.
What Others Say:
“It’s always tough to play against teammates. We didn’t train together, but it was still challenging. My victory motivates me to win gold in Paris.” — Thulasimathi Murugesan after defeating Manisha Ramadas in the SU5 Women’s Singles final
“I feel good before the Paralympics. I’ve been working on losing weight to improve my speed, and I hope to shed more pounds before heading to Paris.” — Leani Ratri Oktila (SL4)
“Overall, I feel great and strong. We did a lot of reflection after the World Championships, and my fitness was one of the areas we focused on. My team has prepared me well, and the training results are showing.” — Daniel Bethell on his progress since missing the World Championship four months ago
