TheCable

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Aruna Quadri on his victory in the men’s singles event at the just concluded 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Cup. 

On Tuesday, Aruna defeated Egypt’s El-Beiali Mohamed in four straight sets to clinch the title at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda.

The victory saw the 35-year-old reclaim the trophy seven years after his last triumph at the 2017 edition in Agadir, Morocco. He had also lost the final of the last three editions of the competition.

Commending Aruna’s performance in Kigali, Tinubu praised the table tennis star’s “dogged pursuit of excellence even in the face of gnawing obstacles”.

The president spoke in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his media aide, on Wednesday.

Tinubu added that “the zeal for distinction, the hardiness to succeed, and the inventiveness to solve complex problems are the exceptional qualities that define Nigerians”.

“The President also notes the recent progress in the nation’s sports sector, with remarkable performances in the African Games, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the World Relay Championships, and emphasizes that his administration will continue to foster the growth and development of sports in the country,” the statement reads.

“The President reassures Nigerians that his administration remains dedicated to expanding the space of opportunities across diverse fields for Nigeria’s creative youths.”

Following the conclusion of the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup,  the final round of African qualifiers for the Paris Olympics commences on Thursday.