The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has lauded the outstanding performance of 10-year-old table tennis sensation, Junior Aruna, following his impressive outing at the World Table Tennis Youth Tournament held in Luxembourg.
Junior Aruna, son of Nigeria’s table tennis icon Aruna Quadri, showcased remarkable talent and composure beyond his age, clinching a silver medal in the Under-11 category and a bronze medal in the Under-13 division.
Reacting to the young athlete’s achievement, Olopade described the performance as a clear reflection of inherited excellence and dedication, noting that Junior Aruna is already demonstrating traits synonymous with his father’s illustrious career.
“Having such an exciting young talent like Junior Quadri is a huge boost to Nigerian sports and the future of table tennis in the country. His performance is commendable and speaks volumes of the solid foundation being laid by his parents,” Olopade said.
The NSC boss also commended Aruna Quadri and his wife, Qaniat Quadri, for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions. He acknowledged Qaniat’s role as the personal coach to their son and daughter, noting that her efforts have been instrumental in shaping their early success on the global stage.
“I am aware that Qaniat Quadri, a former player herself, has been deeply involved in training these young stars. Their dedication is yielding results, and we are proud of the Quadri family,” he added.
Olopade further assured the family of the Commission’s continuous support, emphasizing that the NSC remains committed to developing young talents across various sports.
“With promising athletes like Junior Quadri and many others emerging across the country, the future of Nigerian sports is not only bright but poised for sustained podium success on the international stage,” he stated.
