2019 ITTF Africa Cup: Fans support an advantage for me- Aruna Quadri

Getting set for the 2019 ITTF Africa Cup, defending champion, Aruna Quadri recently shared his view on how Nigerian fans supports will be an advantage for him as he will competing with top table tennis stars from across the continent.

During a media briefing to herald the ITTF Africa Cup, Quadri said he is hoping to have a better tournament this year as he believes his Nigerian fans will be a boost for him.

“Of course it is always very difficult to play in front of your home crowd similarly there is nothing as good in playing in front of your home crowd because you need their support. Just as we did it together last year I strongly believe it is very possible to do it again because there is no strange face coming this time around but of course I have a better advantage for having your support and my fans as well,” he said.

For Africa’s women defending champion Dina Meshref, Lagos crowd as also been the motive behind her participation and coming to Nigeria to play as she hopes to retain her title.

“It is a new challenge for me and I like to have such challenges because it will make me want to play better all the time. I love coming to Lagos because Lagosians are full of fun people. I hope to give out my best this year and probably win some medals,” the Egypt’s Dina said.

The President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Engr Ishaku Tikon also said that Nigeria would continue to raise the standard of table tennis with the hosting of major competitions in Africa.

According to Executive Chairman Lagos State Sport Commission, Kweku Tandoh, “Tourism is one of the major benefits of this event in terms of the arrivals of foreigners, and then one thing that’s sometimes difficult to measure is the word of mouth that people who have come into your country begin to spread to other when they get back. We also have the economic benefits and benefits to our own players who now have more competitions to play.”

With the three tournaments been hosted by Nigeria, Lagos athletes and Nigerians also will be getting prepared for the All Africa games. The ITTF Africa Cup will also serve as a qualifier for the World Cup.

Read Also:Quadri, Meshref to defend titles at 2019 ITTF Africa Cup

The competition kicks off August 3-5 2019 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos as the African Table Tennis Club Championship ends today.