Portugal-based Nigerian table tennis player, Aruna Quadri has donated table tennis kits to six players which he said would last with them for at least one year.
During the press briefing which held On Monday at the Teslim balogun stadium in Lagos, each of the players was given Gewo branded items which include two pairs of rubbers, blade, t-shirts, shorts, tracksuit, canvas, socks, towel, bat case, backpack and cap.
The four cadet players to be kitted by Quadri for one year are world number one in U-13, Musa Mustapha and his sibling, Mustapha Mustapha from Borno State, Kabirat Ayoola of Oyo State and Aishat Rabiu.
The duo of Taiwo Mati and Azeez Solanke got renewal for their kits sponsorship for another year.
In an audio message by Aruna, the Olympian who hails from Oyo State said the gesture was borne out of his desire to groom more top players like himself.
“In my usual way of giving back to the society as well as supporting new talents in Nigeria, I will be supporting some players at the 2021 NTTF National Championships and I wish all the players best of luck and let the tournament begin,” the Portugal-based star said.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Nomination Committee, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, urged other top Nigerian players to take a cue from Quadri by assisting young players.
Oshodi also announced that four new players who distinguished themselves during the National Championship would also benefit from Aruna’s gesture during the grand finale on Saturday, May 22.
A delighted Taiwo Mati commended Aruna for the support while promising to continue to work harder to emulate the African champion.
