The Boccia England Cup Finals took place this weekend at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. 

It is the biggest individual competition of the Boccia season for many athletes, who are all vying to be crowned the best Boccia player in the country and earn the right to compete in the GB Championships later in the year. 

Reshad Saraj was the soul athlete representing PACE Boccia this year. He has had a transformative season full of new experiences such as representing Team GB in Brazil and Poland, winning his first-ever international medal, as well as helping the PACE A team to its highest-ever finish in the Super League. 

With the list of his current accomplishments this season, and ones in the past, Reshad was quite rightly touted as the favourite to win the BC2 BE Cup and make his statement that reaffirms he is an elite BC2 athlete in the country. 

Reshad breezed through the group stages, comfortably and stylishly winning all his games. He accumulated a points average of 24 points, scoring 28 and only conceding 4. A truly dominant performance.  

The semi-finals were fast approaching but not before a well-earned rest and recuperation. Reshad’s semi-final opponent was Jason Rolph, a well-accomplished athlete he had played numerous times in the past, and each time the two have come up against each other, it’s a pulsating, high-scoring game. Their latest encounter was indeed no different. Fortunately, Reshad came out on top, winning 7-3 and advancing into the BE Cup 2023 Finals. 

In the call-up room, during the routine check of an athletes’ Boccia equipment, dramatically, one of Reshad’s balls failed regulation and was rescinded, as well as being given a yellow card. This meant he was going into the final with only five balls instead of the usual six. A major disadvantage, especially against a talented and experienced athlete in James Clowes.  

Despite the yellow card and the loss of a Boccia ball, Reshad pulled a measured, controlled and professional performance, winning the match 4-0 and becoming the Boccia England BC2 Champion for 2023. His performance in the Final optimized how far Reshad’s mental and composure have come this season. The cards were stacked against him, despite this, he did what all great athletes do, they overcome the odds and still become champion. 

“This was a team effort and I’m grateful for the support I have from my team,”

said Reshad, reflecting on what was a well-fought and well-earned victory. 

Congratulations Reshad on another incredible achievement!