Quadri Aruna Interview | Always put the past behind and that’s what makes sports beautiful Premium
The Hindu
Quadri Aruna, Nigeria's top-ranked table tennis player, discusses India's TT growth, his UTT experience, and challenges in the sport.
Quadri Aruna brings much joy with his aggressive forehand top-spins, forehand loops and his majestic presence while competing.
The 36-year-old from Nigeria, the highest world ranked player in the Ultimate Table Tennis league in Chennai at No. 20, will be one of the star players, who will be eagerly followed.
He has many firsts to his credit — the first African to reach the quarterfinals of Olympics (2016, Rio), the first African to make it to the quarterfinals of World championships (Tunis, 2021), and the first from Africa to enter the World’s top 10 (2022).
Quadri hasn’t lost any energy and enthusiasm in his quest to get back into the top 10. In this interview, the Nigerian speaks about India’s growth in TT, and why his country is not growing in the sport, among other things. Excerpts:
It was a great moment for me playing for the first time in UTT. I was happy and excited. The field was strong and some of the top players participated.
It was always difficult playing against Indians. Players such as Sharath Kamal, G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai are all good. We have seen lot of improvement thanks to huge investment made in TT by the Government. It has materialised on the world stage for India. In any kind of tournament, they are contenders. We witnessed it in the Paris Olympics when Indian women did well. This is my fourth visit to UTT. My experience has been very positive. Actually, India and Nigeria have a similar culture. Playing in UTT has always been fun.
Even last year I was with U Mumba. The treatment was nice. It felt like a family. To represent the same team again makes me happy. The management has trust and belief in me. I have put everything behind me as to what happened last season. We just want to do better.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates CNG, PNG projects in Rayalaseema region. Andhra Pradesh has the unique distinction of being the second largest producer of natural gas in India, thanks to the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin, he says, adding the State will lead the way towards net-zero economy.
Former Deputy Secretary T. Pichandi's book 'Enakkul Manakkum MGR Ninaivugal' offers insights into his experiences with M.G. Ramachandran.
Former MP Manda Jagannadham passes away at 73, known for his role in Telangana movement, survived by family.
Visakhapatnam International Airport resumes international air cargo operations, boosting economy and benefiting pharmaceutical, textiles, and seafood industries.
Tamil Nadu government to train teachers and artists for diaspora, allocates ₹10 crore, supports Tamil identity worldwide.
P.V. Anvar, Nilambur MLA, set to announce major decision after joining Trinamool Congress, hinting at resignation.
Setbacks are stepping stones to success: Sridhar Babu
Former NJA director Mohan Gopal warns of Indian judiciary undermining democracy, sparking concerns about democratic decline.
Enhanced crowd management measures implemented at East Coast Railway stations for Sankranti with special trains and passenger assistance.
With increasing complaints of dogs causing a nuisance to residents and commuters, Tiruchi City Corporation has planned to set up feeding shelters for sterilized community canines
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah vows strict action against animal torture in Bengaluru, addresses pro-Hindutva objections and caste census concerns.