Nigerian Table Tennis sensation, Aruna Quadri, has supported six home-based players with equipment to improve their game.
The players are made up of five male and a female.
In a statement by Quadri, the aim is to support upcoming players in their quest to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
The 2014 ITTF Star Player said: “I am doing this to ensure that we produce more top players and I know that one of the major challenges facing the development of the game is the availability of equipment.
“That is why I decided to support them and I hope they will continue to work hard in training, so that they can also compete at higher levels.”
Nurudeen Hassan, an ex-national junior champion, who is benefiting from Quadri’s benevolence, commended the African star for this gesture, which he described as supportive.
Hassan said: “I am grateful to Quadri because I have been getting this equipment made up of rubbers, clothing, footwear, towel and a bag, which is valued at over N100, 000 for some years now.
“He started supporting me three years ago and I am happy that he has now extended it to other players.
“I think if other top players like him can also take up the responsibility of supporting young players, the issue of lack of equipment will not be our problem anymore.”
Azeez Solanke, who is enjoying Quadri’s benevolence for the first time, admitted that the support has boosted his self confidence, as well as inspired him to train more regularly.
Solanke said: “Before I got the support from Quadri, I was always discouraged to train, because of lack of equipment.
“But when I got the items, I now derive joy in going for trainings now and the equipment would have cost my parents a lot of the money they don’t even have.
“Apart from the support, Quadri has been an inspiration to most of us young players with his conduct on and off the table.
“He is such a humble person we all look up to as a role model.
“Quadri’s performance and popularity has given young players the belief that we can achieve whatever we desire with hard work.”