Spanish Para: Bethell Brings it Home for the Team

“I just wanted to go out there to do it for myself, and the team,” were the words of Daniel Bethell following his 21-18 21-8 SL3 men’s singles victory over Pramod Bhagat at the first Para badminton tournament of the season.

“I wanted to get off to a good start this year and get a title under my belt. The first game I was solid and executed my plan well. I was keeping my error count as low as possible – that was important.”

The rivalry dates back to 2018 but Bhagat has not defeated Bethell in five matches since winning the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games final against the Englishman. Still, the 11-time winner knew he had to bring his best to the table at Spanish Para Badminton International 2023.

Bethell now heads to the next Paris 2024 qualifying event, the Spanish Para Badminton International Toledo 2023 beginning Wednesday.

“There’s no time to celebrate. We are straight on a bus to Toledo to get ready for the Category 1 event. I want to ensure I’m fit and ready to go again.”

Bhagat (right) has not found a way past Bethell in five meetings.

Oktila, Steady as Rock

Leani Ratri Oktila (SL4) was the most successful on the day, emerging with gold in mixed doubles as well as women’s singles and doubles.

“I only had five minutes to research each match in preparation,” laughed Oktila. “It was important to come to this tournament to win as many points as I can for Paris 2024. Every match counts.”

With Hikmat Ramdani, Oktila comfortably defeated Chirag Baretha/Mandeep Kaur Mandeep Kaur 21-11 21-12 in SL3-SU5 mixed doubles to start the day. Her second title came when she faced Fujino Haruka for the singles crown and won 21-11 14-21 21-13 in 37 minutes.

Oktila wrapped up a fruitful day by besting Manasi Girishchandra Joshi/Shanthiya Viswanathan 21-9 21-9 with women’s doubles partner Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko. All with her young child watching on – the triple Paralympic medallist gave birth to a son seven months ago.

“He’s my world, my priority. When preparing for matches, I make sure he’s happy, he has eaten, or he’s sleeping. Then I can do my warm-up and prep.”

Oktila (left) and Sadiyah pose following their victory.

Indonesia continued their success with unseeded Dheva Anrimusthi’s 21-11 17-21 21-17 conquering of SU5 men’s singles top seed Cheah Liek Hou in 67 minutes. It was Malaysian Cheah’s first defeat in four years.

Syakuroh Qonitah Ikhtiar (SL3) also maintained her dominance in her field with a second win (21-9 21-14) this week over world champion Oksana Kozyna while compatriot Rina Marlina (SH6) won two titles in mixed doubles and women’s singles.

Day 7 Results

Olympic and Paralympic News

‘There’s Much More in Our Tank’

‘There’s Much More in Our Tank’

1 March 2024
Tai Tzu Ying, The Second Coming

Tai Tzu Ying, The Second Coming

29 February 2024
Take Two, with New Mates

Take Two, with New Mates

15 February 2024
Badminton Venue for Olympics and Paralympics Inaugurated

Badminton Venue for Olympics and Paralympics Inaugurated

13 February 2024
Kang & Seo: Showcasing Winning Ability

Kang & Seo: Showcasing Winning Ability

12 February 2024
Paris Dreaming

Paris Dreaming

8 February 2024
Sprint Begins

Sprint Begins

7 February 2024
Malaysia Open: ‘Anything is Possible’

Malaysia Open: ‘Anything is Possible’

10 January 2024
In the League of Greats

In the League of Greats

7 January 2024
Malaysian Duo Look to Build on Gains from Last Season

Malaysian Duo Look to Build on Gains from Last Season

6 January 2024
Game for Friendly Fight

Game for Friendly Fight

5 January 2024
Gilmour: Grit and Grace on the Road to Paris 2024

Gilmour: Grit and Grace on the Road to Paris 2024

4 January 2024
Season Preview: Towards Paris 2024

Season Preview: Towards Paris 2024

2 January 2024
Dubai Para: ‘My Shots Were Perfect’

Dubai Para: ‘My Shots Were Perfect’

13 December 2023
Dubai Para: Monteiro Focused on Meticulous Planning

Dubai Para: Monteiro Focused on Meticulous Planning

12 December 2023
BWF Presents Super Smash Squad: Unleashing Badminton Heroes

BWF Presents Super Smash Squad: Unleashing Badminton Heroes

25 October 2023
Naraoka, An Se Young Lead Race to Paris

Naraoka, An Se Young Lead Race to Paris

4 August 2023
Paris 2024: With a Year to Go, Festive Spirit Pervades

Paris 2024: With a Year to Go, Festive Spirit Pervades

26 July 2023
Badminton Lets Pu Gui Yu Enjoy the World

Badminton Lets Pu Gui Yu Enjoy the World

20 July 2023
Two Olympic Champs Aiding Weng’s Growth

Two Olympic Champs Aiding Weng’s Growth

28 June 2023
Canada Para: Bethell Extends Dominance Over Bhagat

Canada Para: Bethell Extends Dominance Over Bhagat

19 June 2023
Thai Para: Daily Discussions Lead to Gold

Thai Para: Daily Discussions Lead to Gold

15 May 2023
Thai Para: Indonesia, Malaysia Halt China’s Domination

Thai Para: Indonesia, Malaysia Halt China’s Domination

14 May 2023
Thai Para: Overcoming the Racket

Thai Para: Overcoming the Racket

13 May 2023
Thai Para: ‘I Got Tired of Losing’

Thai Para: ‘I Got Tired of Losing’

12 May 2023
Thai Para: It’s Looking Up for Krajewski

Thai Para: It’s Looking Up for Krajewski

11 May 2023
The Bell Sounds for Paris 2024

The Bell Sounds for Paris 2024

1 May 2023
French Open 2024 to be Played at Paris 2024 Venue; Rescheduled to March

French Open 2024 to be Played at Paris 2024 Venue; Rescheduled to...

27 April 2023
Registration Deadline for Single Tickets Approaches

Registration Deadline for Single Tickets Approaches

15 April 2023
Spanish Para: Double Winner Kajiwara Keeping it Fun

Spanish Para: Double Winner Kajiwara Keeping it Fun

27 February 2023
Spanish Para: Sooyoung So Good

Spanish Para: Sooyoung So Good

26 February 2023
Spanish Para: My Time to Shine, Enthuses Ikhtiar

Spanish Para: My Time to Shine, Enthuses Ikhtiar

26 February 2023
Spanish Para: ‘Anyone’s Playing Field’

Spanish Para: ‘Anyone’s Playing Field’

25 February 2023
Spanish Para: It’s All Smiles for Loquette

Spanish Para: It’s All Smiles for Loquette

24 February 2023
Spanish Para: Jones-Barnes Spreading the Joy of Badminton

Spanish Para: Jones-Barnes Spreading the Joy of Badminton

23 February 2023
Spanish Para: Patience Key for Self Motivator Bunsun

Spanish Para: Patience Key for Self Motivator Bunsun

23 February 2023
Spanish Para: ‘This One’s For You, Bello’

Spanish Para: ‘This One’s For You, Bello’

22 February 2023
Spanish Para: New Season Brings New Faces

Spanish Para: New Season Brings New Faces

21 February 2023
Para Shuttlers’ Road to Paris Begins in Spain

Para Shuttlers’ Road to Paris Begins in Spain

18 February 2023
Wandschneider/Hellman Chasing Fresh Records

Wandschneider/Hellman Chasing Fresh Records

4 January 2023
‘Extraordinary Year’ for Dual Paralympian Mathez

‘Extraordinary Year’ for Dual Paralympian Mathez

23 December 2022
Ticketing Opens for Paris 2024

Ticketing Opens for Paris 2024

13 December 2022
Para Badminton Events for 2023 Confirmed, Paris 2024 Journey Begins

Para Badminton Events for 2023 Confirmed, Paris 2024 Journey Begins

26 November 2022
‘France in Good Position to be Top Five in World’

‘France in Good Position to be Top Five in World’

17 November 2022
Schedule Announced as Two-Year Countdown to Paris 2024 Begins

Schedule Announced as Two-Year Countdown to Paris 2024 Begins

28 July 2022