Leani Ratri Oktila‘s two gold medals – in mixed and women’s doubles – on finals day at the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, took her overall tally to six, the most by any female athlete.

Featuring in three finals, the Indonesian lost her opening match in SL4 women’s singles to reigning Paralympic champion Cheng Hefang.

The 32-year-old then defeated compatriots Fredy Setiawan/Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko 21-9 21-16 in SL3-SU5 mixed doubles for her third world title in the discipline after Ulsan 2017 and Basel 2019.

Transitioning from foes to friends 30 minutes later, Oktila teamed up with Sadiyah to battle it out with Manasi Girishchandra Joshi/Thulasimathi Murugesan in the women’s doubles final. Going for their second world title together following Tokyo 2022, they came off 22-20 21-17 winners.

“Six titles. When you say it, feels amazing. I didn’t know I had that many. It’s not something I keep count of or think about,” giggled Oktila later. “I didn’t do so well in my first match. Cheng’s very tough to beat. I had to pick myself up and focus on the one.

“I’m always working hard. I’ve been training for these kinds of matches. The fields are so competitive and there aren’t many playing in three categories.”

Winning the mixed doubles also affirms her belief she is on the right track ahead of her gold medal defence in the event at the Paralympic Games. She won it with Hary Susanto at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

“Even after these world titles, I still want more. The big one is the Paralympics. That’s still the biggest dream and to represent Indonesia in badminton is a blessing.”

Being one of only few mothers on the circuit, Oktila has also managed to strike a balance between motherhood and career.

“I try to spend as much time as I can with my young son. He’s growing up so quickly,” she said. “I’m thankful to my husband who looks after him when I’m training or competing. When I go home, his smiling face tells me everything I’m doing is worth it.”

→ Results (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“It’s yet to sink in. To defeat the best players and make the semifinals, which I had never done, made this a special event. After winning Asian Para Games gold, this is the one I really wanted. It’s a huge psychological advantage for the Paralympics.” – Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj on winning his first world title (SL4 men’s singles) in the run-up to Paris 2024

The moment Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj 🇮🇳 won his first world title. 🏆

Well done, champ! 👏#Parabadminton #BWFWorldChampionships #Pattaya2024 pic.twitter.com/TPN176xljm

— BWF (@bwfmedia) February 26, 2024

“I’m more relieved than anything. My match against Dheva (Anrimusthi) was tough. We’ve got a rivalry dating back a few years. In doubles, I just made Fareez run around, he’s so fast, haha [sic]. We’ll have some seafood to celebrate.” – Cheah Liek Hou, winner of 12 world titles before Pattaya, after his first men’s doubles crown with Muhammad Fareez Anuar

“It’s been a great week for me. When it was announced my category would be included at the next Paralympics, I was so happy. It’s always been my big dream.” – Zuxian Xiao excited about playing the SL3 women’s singles in Paris