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Aruna, the reigning ITTF Africa Cup champion, prioritises his fitness in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26th.
African Table Tennis champion Quadri Aruna will miss the WTT Contender Lagos tournament as a precautionary measure to avoid injury.
This was confirmed by Waheed Oshodi, the deputy president of ITTF Africa, during a press conference to herald the second edition of the championship in Lagos.
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12:14 - 05.06.2024
Table Tennis: Quadri Aruna returns to top 16 set to face local hero in Zagreb
According to the recently released Week 23 rankings, Aruna is the highest African player.
Aruna, the reigning ITTF Africa Cup champion, prioritises his fitness in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26th.
According to Oshodi, Aruna's physiotherapist recommended his withdrawal due to his body structure being more susceptible to injuries.
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06:21 - 29.05.2024
Nigerian Quadri Aruna Soars in ITTF Rankings, Reclaims Top Spot in Africa
The development comes just weeks after Aruna secured victory at the ITTF Africa Cup in Rwanda.
At 35 years of age, this is likely Aruna's last chance to claim an Olympic medal, and his focus is clearly set on achieving that dream.
While Aruna won't be competing, Oshodi noted that he will still be involved in the WTT Contender Lagos in other ways. He will use his experience and presence to motivate and inspire local players competing in the tournament.
“He (Aruna Quadri) has been advised not to participate in WTT Contender Lagos but the physio as a precautionary measure to avoid injury due to his body,” Oshodi said.
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12:21 - 15.05.2024
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna reclaims ITTF Africa Cup after four losses
Aruna effortlessly took down Mohamed El-Beiali with a 4-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10, 11-3) win to emerge as the new Africa Cup champion after losing the title to Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2018.
“Aruna is currently preparing for the biggest event which is the Olympics. He is 35 years old now, so he does not have much time remaining to win an Olympic medal. He is currently working hard with experienced Segun Toriola (head coach of the Nigerian table tennis team) in preparation for the upcoming Olympics.”
“We know with two or three good games, you are in the semifinals where you can compete for the Olympic medal.
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The World Table Tennis Contender Lagos will take place from the 19th to the 23rd of June at the indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
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