Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Government pledges support for Quadri’s World Cup campaign

Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung has pledged that the Federal Government will support Aruna Quadri’s campaign at the forthcoming ITTF World Cup in France.Speaking while congratulating Quadri for booking a ticket as Africa’s sole representative to the ITTF World Cup in France....

Aruna Quadri

• Nigerian Sports Award salutes him
Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung has pledged that the Federal Government will support Aruna Quadri’s campaign at the forthcoming ITTF World Cup in France.Speaking while congratulating Quadri for booking a ticket as Africa’s sole representative to the ITTF World Cup in France, Dalung 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,” he said.

Dalung described Quadri, 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.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Sports Awards (NSA) has saluted Aruna Quadri for winning the ITTF African Cup and qualifying for the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup.

The Chairman of the award panel, Dr. Kweku Tandoh stated that the Nigerian Sports Award is proud to be associated with Quadri, saying that his performance is a testimony to the vision of the awards in honouring and recognizing excellent performance.

“Nigerian Sports Award acknowledges the ‘Can-Do’ Spirit of Aruna Quadri for making the country proud by qualifying for the ITTF World Cup despite his challenges. We salute his courage, resilience and passion for excellence which represents the ideals of the Nigerian Sports Award.”

He then charged the ITTF star to go all out and make the country proud by winning ITTF World Cup later in the year, while also calling on the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, corporate organizations and sports loving individuals to support him in his quest to become the ITTF World Cup winner.

In this article

0 Comments