Syakuroh Qonitah Ikhtiar needed just 28 minutes to defeat Manasi Girishchandra Joshi for gold on finals day of the 4 Nations Para Badminton International 2024. The Indonesian defeated the 2019 world champion 21-6 21-12.

“I’m very happy and grateful I won, as this is the last tournament before we go to Paris for the Paralympics.”

SL3 women’s singles is a new Para badminton category added to the Paralympic programme.

“I was so happy to hear it was going to be contested. I’ve been working hard to ensure I’m in shape for the Games. I’m nervous but I’m also really excited. It will be my first trip to Paris and the team and I will be going a month early to get acclimatised to the environment. I feel I performed well in Scotland but the best is yet to come,” enthused Ikhtiar.

In SH6 women’s singles, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan bested 2023 Pan Am champion Carmen Giuliana Poveda Flores 21-17 15-21 21-17 for gold. Sivan is optimistic about her Paris chances following her victory at the Emirates Arena.

“I played a good game. I made some mistakes in the second and so did she. It goes like that sometimes. I was ready for a physical battle,” said the Indian.

“I’m really excited about calling myself a Paralympian. It’s great for me SH6 was added (this edition). It’s a huge event compared to the Level 1. It’s been a lifelong dream to compete at the Paralympics and it’s finally happening for me. I will give my best.”

→ Results (Day 5)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“It’s always tough playing your teammate. We don’t train together but it was still difficult. My win motivates me to reach gold in Paris.” – Thulasimathi Murugesan after beating Manisha Ramadass in the SU5 women’s singles final

“I’m feeling great ahead of the Paralympics. I’ve been trying to lose weight to build my speed and I hope to shed more before I head to Paris.” – Leani Ratri Oktila (SL4)

“Overall, I feel good and strong. We did a lot of reflection off the back of the World Championships and my fitness was one of the areas we picked up on. My team has done a good job of getting me ready for this event. The effects of the training block have really shown.” – Daniel Bethell on the improvements he’s made since missing out on a world title four months ago