As the Paris 2024 Olympics starts this weekend, Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna is gearing up for what he hopes will be his best performance yet on the global stage.
The veteran Olympian, who reached the quarterfinals in Rio 2016, has been intensively preparing since the conclusion of the Tokyo Games in 2021.
“Immediately after we finished in Tokyo, the preparation had already started,” Aruna told Sportsville in a recent interview. “I’ve played in several international tournaments in different places. I can say that I am well prepared.”
While Olympic glory is on his mind, Aruna spoke on the importance of giving his all, regardless of the outcome.
“The goals are the same; everyone wants to do well and everyone wants to win a medal, but sometimes it is not all about winning a medal. It’s about giving your best,” he stated.
Reflecting on his past Olympic experiences, Aruna acknowledged the unpredictable nature of high-level competition.
He said, “Don’t forget 2016 in Rio; I was very close to winning a medal. I got to the quarterfinals, but four years later, it was not the same performance, but it is what it is. Nothing is really for sure, but this time around, I strongly believe that I will do my best.”
The Nigerian star also discussed his chances against top competitors, particularly from Asia.
“Against the Chinese, it’s like 60–40, and against other Asians, I can tell you that is 50–50,” Aruna explained. He noted his victories against some Chinese players but added that he has yet to defeat the world’s top two ranked players.
As Paris 2024 draws near, Aruna’s ambitions are clear: “My objective is to do much more than I did in Tokyo and get something better than I did in Rio.”
Aruna is ranked 14th in the world going into the Olympics and would lead Nigeria’s table tennis contingent which consist of Olajide Omotayo, Edem Offiong and Bose Kaffo to the Games.
