Nigerian Star Quadri Aruna Reclaims ITTF Africa Cup Title
Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna reclaimed the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup title after beating Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali 4-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10, 11-3) in the final, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
Top seed Aruna, still fresh from his exploits at the WTT Saudi Smash, was again brilliant with a commanding win in the final. The Nigerian emerged as the new Africa Cup champion after losing the title to Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2018.
This one took four finals in seven years before he could reclaim it. Congratulations to Quadri Aruna on winning the #ITTFAfricaCup24 following a 4-0 victory over Mohamed EL Beiali of Egypt. pic.twitter.com/lg8VYnBgrI
— ITTF-Africa (@ITTFAfrica) May 14, 2024
“I never gave up on my dream, it doesn’t matter where you come from,” Aruna said. “I came from a small place in Oyo state in Nigeria and it was really difficult growing up. I just want to tell them that something great is very possible to happen in every individual.”
“There was never an easy win in any competition and I am happy that I gave my best and my best resulted in the victory. It has always been in me not to give up, even when I am down, and I am happy that all my hard work paid off with the victory.”
”I must commend Rwanda for providing good facilities and their hospitality for us, the players, and I look forward to returning again to this beautiful country,” Aruna added.
Congratulations Quadri Aruna
The @ITTFAfrica CUP 2024 winner#BKArenaIsYours#BKArenaNiIyawe pic.twitter.com/HdHUnw0kzI— BK Arena (@bkarenarw) May 14, 2024
Dina Meshref of Egypt
Egyptian Dina Meshref reclaimed the ITTF Africa Cup title in the women’s category after coming back from 2-0 down to defeat compatriot Mariam Alhodaby 4-3 at the BK Arena.
Meshref becomes the new Africa Cup champion after losing the last two editions in the final.
Th Egyptian described the victory as crucial, particularly after coming back from injury.
May we introduce to you, 5-TIME ITTF-AFRICA CUP CHAMPION, DINA MESHREF. #ITTFAfricaCup24 #ITTFAfricaKigali24 pic.twitter.com/Nx0Wzp19h0
— ITTF-Africa (@ITTFAfrica) May 14, 2024
“I am happy that I was able to come back, especially coming back from an injury I sustained before the tournament,” Meshref said.
“I must thank my family and my mother, who sacrificed to be with me in Rwanda. It was a tough win for me here in this beautiful country of Rwanda, and I will cherish this moment for a very long time to come.”
Over 50 players from 14 countries took part in the 2024 ITTF African Cup. Now focus will shift to the African Olympic Qualification Tournament, which begins on May 16th and ends on May 18th, 2024.
