My wife inspires me, says Aruna Quadri

.Dedicates ITTF Nigeria Open victory to fans

By Akeem Lawal

NEWLY crowned ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open champions, Aruna Quadri has credited his wife, Ganiyat for the success he has been recording in the sport.

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that the ITTF World No 18 player came from a set down to defeat Anthonio Hachard of France 4-2 (13-11, 3-11, 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 7-11) in the final of men’s single event of the tournament held at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall on Sunday. 

Reacting to his victory in a chat with Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com, Aruna who claimed the top prize in his fifth attempt said he would have lost the encounter to his opponent, but for the vociferous fans present in the hall urged him on.

“I can say that I have an amazing wife who happens to be a table tennis player also. She has been supporting me. Without her giving me a he chances to travel all over the world, it’s going to be very difficult.

“So I think playing more tournaments will give me more opportunities to improve. So I must give kudos to my wife who is taking care of the kids.

“The chants from fans boosted my morale during the match. I trained very hard before the tournament to ensure that I didn’t disappoint my fans. It would have been annoying and disappointing if I failed my fans that have come from far and wide to support me during this tournament. 

“You can see their attitude all through the match. They did not relent in their effort to spur me even when I lost points, they kept supporting me and that means a lot to me. This feat is not just for me but all of them, all those people screaming my name,” Aruna told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Also, Ganiyat Aruna has described the victory of her husband as a promise fulfilled.

A delighted Ganiyat was all over the place when her husband was battling it on the table against Hachard in the final of the men’s singles.

It was clear from her reaction to every point won by the Frenchman that she was nervous and when her husband started dominating, she started leading the fans on various sonorous songs.

She added that the victory was honour to Nigeria as the long-awaited dream of having a Nigerian win the tournament became a reality.

“My husband promised and delivered; I am so excited; this is a promise fulfilled; I am proud of him,” she said. 

The former national player and mother of three also hailed the Aruna Quadri Fans Club and spectators for support for her husband. 

“The France player was good, and it was indeed a tough game, but cheers coming from his (Quadri’s) fans and spectators went a long way to help in his victory,” she said.