DeSilva-Andrade Wins First Paralympic Match

August 29, 2024 | 2 Comments

[Written by Stephen Wright]

Yushae DeSilva-Andrade achieved a milestone in her boccia career after winning her first-ever match at the Paralympic Games today [August 29].

DeSilva-Andrade, who lost both her matches at her debut Paralympics in Rio in 2016, made a winning start to her Paris 2024 campaign after defeating Kinga Koza, of Poland, 4-1 in the women’s BC1 preliminary round at the South Paris Arena.

The 30-year-old returns to action in pool C against Hiromi Endo, of Japan, on Saturday at 7.50 am [BDA time].

In action in Paris today

Yushae DeSilva-Andrade Bermuda August 29 2024

“Winning a match at the Paralympics was one of my small goals,” DeSilva-Andrade told Bernews. “I’m so happy to have achieved this small goal.

“I thought I played really well. I sprayed a few balls around but brought it back.

“I felt the most peaceful I’ve ever felt during a game. I didn’t panic at all.”

Looking ahead to her match against Endo, DeSilva-Andrade added: “I need to work on my short game, middle game, and long game.

After today’s victory

Yushae DeSilva-Andrade Bermuda Aug 29 2024

“I don’t know what she will bring. We’ve played each other twice before – I’ve won one and she’s won one. It’s going to be an interesting game!”

Troy Farnsworth, the Bermuda boccia coach, stressed the importance of making a winning start to the pool phase.

“To get that first game out of the way and to win is crucial,” he said. “Yushae’s got off to a great start, which takes the pressure off a little bit.

“It’s always tough to play on a big stage and she made the big shots when she had to.”

The scorecard showing in the arena

boccia scorecard aug 28 2134234

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Comments (2)

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  1. Joe Bloggs says:

    Go Yushae DeSilva-Andrade!

  2. Lion Paw says:

    Great job and all the best in your next game Yushae. Proud of you

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