The road to Spain was certainly a long and challenging one for Para shuttler Gbenga Sunday Olanipekun (SL3). Having set off from home on 18 February, the Nigerian had plenty of time to make the trip to Vitoria to compete at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2023, but he only arrived on the morning of his first match due to flight issues, three days after departure.

After losing his opening Group F match to William Roussy 21-12 21-5, Olanipekun said: “Thanks to God I’m here. Along the way I met a nice Nigerian man who helped me navigate as I don’t speak Spanish.”

“Rafio Oyebanji Bello was the reason I kept going and stayed motivated. He was my brother and mentor and I miss him every day. He would never want me to be disheartened about anything. He would tell me to get on and move forward. It’s the Nigerian way.”

Bello, a triple gold medallist at the 2018 African Para Badminton Championships, died in a road accident in April 2021. Olanipekun was hit hard, but his love for the sport helped heal wounds.

“If you want to take away my happiness, you have to take badminton away. It’s my love and passion. I have my first match out of the way now, I’ll make sure I’m better prepared for my next one.”

Great Chemistry

Making their second appearance on the international circuit were Finnish duo Antti Kaerki/Venla Salo, who lost their SL3-SU5 second round mixed doubles match in Group K to the Australian-Italian combo of Kenneth Adlawan/Rosa Efomo De Marco 13-21 23-21 12-21.

“I was the only standing player for Finland for a long time,” said Kaerki.

“Then Venla joined the club over a year ago and it’s been great competing with this young talented player. I live far from her, but when we are able to get together to train, it’s nice. Our partnership is working out great. Our rotations work really well,” added the 49-year-old, who has been playing badminton for five years.

“I was doing sports at another club and someone tapped me on the shoulder telling me a national competition in badminton was coming up and I should give it a go. I tried it out and won, so here we are.”

Partner Salo adores badminton just as much. She said: “From the first time I played, I was hooked. It has brought me so much joy and I’ve made lots of new friends.”

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I listen to techno music or (Spanish rapper) Quevedo to motivate myself before matches.” – Ivan Segura Escobar (SH6) on what’s on his playlist

“I’ve had some help from Cheah Liek Hou (SU5) on changing my style, and that really helped me win today.” – Taiyo Imai (SU5) after overcoming an impressive Muhammad Fareez Anuar 21-16 21-11