Sports minister celebrates Aruna Quadri, Chierika

Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung has extolled the virtues of 2016 Olympic table tennis quarter finalist,  Aruna Quadri who celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday.

Dalung, who watched the quarterfinal match between Quadri and world N0. 1,  Ma Long,  celebrated with Quadri  at Riocentro Pavilion.

He said though Quadri lost to the best player in the world, it was an achievement to play in the quarter finals.

“This is the first time an African player is getting to the quarterfinals of the table tennis men’s singles. It is a laudable achievement. Though, you didn’t make it to the semis, Nigerians are proud of you. We are happy that you have not only etched Africa’s name in the book of records but also that of Nigeria.

“I also wish you a happy birthday and many successful outings in your career.  We will continue to reward athletes who excel in their various sports and wish the others best of luck in their events,” Dalung said.

Similarly, Dalung joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate Chierika Ukogu after her semi-final qualification for the Women’s Single Sculls rowing event at the on-going Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

While lauding the achievement of the emerging star who is the first Nigerian to participate in rowing at the Olympics, Dalung said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that athletes welfare are well taken care of.

Dalung commended the 24-year old for her never -say -die spirit after finishing fifth in quarterfinal 3.

Meanwhile, ahead of her semi-final race on Friday at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, Copacabana, Dalung has charged the graduate of Stanford University to double her effort and focus on bringing honor to herself and the nation.