ATTF hails Oshodi, Quadri over awards as Egypt’s Lashin tips Quadri for top 20 For being named the Administrator of the Year and Ball Sports Personality of the Year at the 2014 Nigerian Sports Award, President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi and Africa’s highest ranked player in the world, Aruna Quadri has been lauded by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF). Specifically, ATTF through its president, Khaled El-Salhy described the award as a plus to table tennis in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. In a statement signed by the ATTF helmsman, the federation admitted that under the leadership of Oshodi, the game has gained more recognition in the continent and in the globe. “I have the pleasure on behalf of ATTF Executive Committee to congratulate you for winning the Award of Administrator for the year 2014 in Nigeria, and also to Aruna Quadri for his Award. This means that table tennis in your respectable country is on the right way under your leadership for good promotion within Nigeria, in Africa and even all over the world. We urge you to continue with this as you on track forbetter results in the coming future,” El-Salhy said. Also, one of Egypt’s top players, El-Sayed Lashin has tipped Quadri to make it to the top 20 in the world. Lashin, who was thrilled by the display of Quadri at the last Men’s World Cup in Dusseldorf, Germany, said that this would accord African players more respect globally. “I am so proud about what Quadri did at the World Cup and before the World Cup; he has been performing well in the last four month at the Lagos Open and Africa Top 16 Cup. I am really happy for him and all of us are proud of this performance,” the former African champion said. The Egyptian top rated player added: “To be representing Africa at the World Cup was the peak of any player and Quadri has shown the world and table tennis fans across the globe that Africa is improving because at the last World Team Cup in China, we finished among the top three teams. African players are getting stronger than before and we cant forget the king of Nigeria table tennis, Segun Toriola including our talented player, Ahmed Saleh. Egypt and Nigeria have continued to set the pace in Africa with new generation of players like Omar Assar and Mohamed El-Bialy of Egypt and Ojo Onaolapo of Nigeria.” Lashin believes with Quadri’s quality at world stage, the Nigerian has the wherewithal to make it to the top 20 in the world. “What I want to advice Quadri is that he should keep playing more tournaments because he can be among the top 20 in the world and heshould not forget God as well,” Lashin said.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:15:52 +0000