Indonesia’s Oktila makes history at Para Badminton World Championships 2024

Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila won two gold medals at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, becoming the most successful female Para athlete in badminton history with a staggering six World titles to her name. 

The Para Badminton World Championships, which took place between 20 and 25 February in Thailand, was the final tournament held during the qualification period for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

World title No. 6

Oktila reached the finals in all three of her events. She fell to reigning Paralympic champion Cheng Hefang in the women’s singles SL4 final, but bounced back in the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles.

Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani defeated compatriots Fredy Setiawan and Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko 21-9, 21-16. With the victory, Oktila captured her third world title in the event after Ulsan 2017 and Basel 2019.

Thirty minutes later, Oktila teamed up with Sukohandoko to battle it out with Manasi Girishchandra Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan in the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 final. Going for their second world title together following Tokyo 2022, the Indonesian duo pulled off a 22-20, 21-17 win.

“Six titles. When you say it, it feels amazing. I didn’t know I had that many. It’s not something I keep count of or think about,” Oktila said. “I didn’t do so well in my first match. Cheng is 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 field is so competitive and there aren’t many (athletes) playing in three categories.”

Winning the mixed doubles also affirms her belief that she is on the right track ahead of her gold medal defence at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She won the event with Hary Susanto three years ago at Tokyo 2020.

“Even after these world titles, I still want more. The big one is the Paralympics. That is still my 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 her sporting career.

“I try to spend as much as I can with my young son. He is 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.”

China shines

China sent out an early warning to Paris 2024 medal hopefuls by producing world champions in six of the seven wheelchair categories set to be contested at the Paralympics. In total, Chinese athletes won 13 of the 22 medal events in Pattaya.

Liu Yutong got the party started by securing China’s first gold in the women’s singles WH2, beating defending champion Pilar Jauregui Cancino of Peru 21-8, 21-4. Yin Menglu followed it up with her first world title in the women’s singles WH1.

“I’m so happy,” said Yin. “This is everything I have been working towards. The goal was gold and now I have it. I will cheer on my teammates playing in the other events.”

Qu Zimo and Liu were in top form on Day 6, each claiming three gold medals. Together, they topped the podium in the mixed doubles WH1-WH2 tournament. Qu also won the men’s singles WH1 tournament and the men’s doubles WH1-WH2 tournament with Mai Jianpeng.

“I’m really happy. I want to thank my partner Liu. She was at her best today and also to Mai Jianpeng. I was so glad to have my partners for court coverage and support,” said Qu, who won two gold medals at Tokyo 2020.

“After a week of lots of matches, I want to sleep and make sure I have a good rest. I’m not thinking about the Paralympics just yet. The focus was the World Championships.”

Liu was also delighted with her three gold medals.

“It’s wonderful. I feel great. Playing in three finals is really tough but I am glad I could win. Now it’s time to rest before we start planning for our next event.”

Preparing for Paris 2024

Japan’s Daiki Kajiwara captured his second world championship after defeating Yu Soo Young of the Republic of Korea in the men’s single WH2 final. Kajiwara cruised to a 12-0 lead before sealing a 21-16, 21-10 win.

“The scoreline doesn’t reflect how hard Yu worked. He is fast and has great skills. He is a player to watch,” Kajiwara said. “The win boosts my confidence before the Paralympic Games in the summer. I’m really happy.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympics, which will take place between 28 August and 8 September, will feature 16 medal events in Para badminton. The sport made its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020.