Nigeria’s foremost table tennis player, Quadri Aruna has described the upcoming 1st National Intermediate Games as ‘the best way to restore the country’s lost glory in sports,’ as he believes new talents will be discovered during the multiple-event competition.
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Sports247 reports that Aruna, who is the only African player to break into the top-10 of men’s world table tennis rankings, also described the upcoming Games as an important platform for discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of talents in various sporting events.
He added that the Games, tagged Eko 2026, which are scheduled to hold from October 1st to 15th in Lagos, with more than 15,000 young athletes expected to compete in 28 sports across 10 venues, will revive focus on the grassroots for rebuilding Nigeria’s fortunes in the sector.
Aruna made the declaration and expressed support for the Games during a visit along with his wife and children to Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Gbenga Omotoso, who is the chairman of Eko 2026 media and publicity sub-committee.
While reflecting on his career, the 37-year-old table tennis star acknowledged Lagos State’s contribution to his development and urged athletes taking part in Eko 2026 to see it as an opportunity not only to compete but to also learn, develop and prepare themselves for bigger challenges ahead of them.
“Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory. This event is for all Nigerian youths. They should embrace it, give their best and enjoy the experience.
“They must also learn as much as possible to succeed in life. They must believe in themselves. They too can rise from their towns to the world stage,” said Aruna, who posited that it would also give scouts and administrators an opportunity to spot future elite sports stars.
