ATTF PRESIDENT APPLAUDS ARUNA’S FEAT AT SINGAPORE SMASH
The President of Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Khaled El-Sally has applauded the exploits of Nigeria Table Tennis star Aruna Quadri at the just ended World Table Tennis (WTT) Singapore Smash.
Aruna, who reached the quarter- finals of the Grand Smash series in Singapore defeated some top seeds including Alexis Lebrum from France 3-2 in the Round of 32 as well as Germany’s Ruwen Filus 3-2 in the Round of 64 en route to becoming the first African to reach that stage at the WTT.
He also made a remarkable impact defeating Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto 3-0 in the Round of 16. The World Table Tennis Ranked No.14th eventually fell to the superiority power of WTT World No. 4 and Brazil’s Hugo Calderano 4-0 with the score (11-7, 12-10, 11-2, 11-20).
Meanwhile, Aruna will earn 350 ranking points for reaching the quarter-finals in Singapore and his impressive performance will raise his rating at the next ranking by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
El-Sally stated that the Nigeria TT star has continued to set the pace for Africa at major events, including the Olympics and World Championships.
“Congratulations for your fantastic show-up in Singapore, especially for the great win in the (EC) as the main ambassador of African table tennis in ITTF super events.” E-Sally said according to the Guardian.
He further commended Aruna on his exploits, “We wish you to continue to make the continent proud and a great ambassador of your country and Africa.”
Aruna has been picked to compete at the WTT Champions world elite table tennis star event next month with $800,000 prize money in Xinxiang, China.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Para Table Tennis team are back to the country from Italy, having featured at the ITTF Lignano Masters Para Open 2023. The impressive performance saw the Nigeria team win two silver and bronze medals.
In appreciation of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa sponsorship of the team to the event, Bolawa Akingbemisilu who made his maiden international outing winning a silver medal.
“I’m really happy and excited to win a silver medal in my first tournament. This will go a long way in my career and by now, I know my level and how to train hard for future tournaments,” Bolawa, said.
Bolawa who participated in the class-five division, further said, “We really appreciate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for sponsoring us to the tournament, which is part of the qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.”
Bolawa appreciated the experience as some of them have now gathered some points.