Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has congratulated Nigeria’s number one Table Tennis player, Aruna Quadri for booking a ticket as Africa’s sole representative to the ITTF World Cup in France.
The Minister described the feat as a confirmation of the Oyo state born ping pong star’s superiority in Africa and also his emergence as a force to reckon with at the global level.
“This victory has once again demonstrated the superiority of Quadri in Africa. This is good news to us in the Ministry and also all sports loving Nigerians who have been following his career.”
Dalung described Aruna who recorded a hard fought 4-3 victory over his continental rival, Omar Assar in the finals of the 2017 ITTF Africa as a “true patriot and consummate professional.”
“This is a master class act from a true patriot and consummate professional who against all odds overcame all obstacles to emerge as the King of Table Tennis in Africa.”
The Minister promised that the ministry will play its part in ensuring a good World Cup outing for Africa’s sole flag bearer he described it as an “African Project.”
“The federation must not wait till the 11th hour before they approach the Ministry for assistance. The earlier they reach out, the better for all parties involved”
He advised that the Nigeria Table Tennis federation should put machinery in motion to ensure that Aruna is given the needed preparation ahead of the tournament in France.
“For an event of this magnitude, the NTTF must explore all avenues to source for funds to give Quadri the deserved training. The new board needs to shift its attention to the private sector who are willing to associate with this growing brand in the global circle,” Media Aide, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, quoted him as saying.
