KOZHIKODE: Khadija Nisa, a native of Koduvally, has scripted history by securing her third consecutive gold medal in women’s singles badminton at the Saudi National Games.
Representing Etihad Club, Khadija’s triumph has earned her a grand prize of Rs 2.25 crore (10 lakh Saudi riyals). Her achievement is a significant milestone, as she is the first to win hat-trick gold in the competition’s badminton category.
In the fiercely contested final, Khadija faced a formidable opponent Penaflor Ariele from the Philippines, showcasing her skill, resilience, and composure to claim victory. Her top-tier performance on the court once again cemented her status as one of the elite players in the tournament.
The competition also saw other Malayalee athletes shining brightly. Changanassery native Shilna secured a bronze medal in the women’s singles event, highlighting the growing prominence of Malayalee players in international sports.
This is a significant accomplishment for Kerala’s sporting community, as three of the six badminton medals were won by Malayalees, further establishing their dominance.
In men’s singles, a thrilling battle unfolded as Bahrain’s national player Hasan Adnan was bested by Muttammal Shamil from Kuttikatoor.
In total, four out of six medals in the badminton singles events (two golds and two bronzes) were secured by Indian players, with two of the golds claimed by Malayalees.
After her win, an elated Khadija expressed her pride in being a Malayalee, saying, “This victory isn’t just for me; it’s for my community, my home. Being a Malayalee has taught me the value of perseverance and resilience. I hope this achievement inspires every young Malayalee girl with a dream.”
Reflecting on her hat-trick, she added, “Winning three golds in a row is surreal. Each win holds a special place in my heart, and I’m overwhelmed with happiness. The support of my family, friends, and the entire Malayalee community across the world has been incredible. This win is for all of us.”
Khadija’s remarkable achievement also puts her ahead of Shaikh Mehd, the former men’s champion who won gold in the previous two Saudi National Games, but slipped to the third position this year.