Sponsors of the annual Aruna Table Tennis Championship has revealed reasons behind the sponsorship of the annual table tennis tourney whose 3rd edition ended on 3rd, December, 2023 at Eko Club, Lagos.
The five-day championship organised by Aruna Sports and Academy in collaboration with Eko Club and Olusoga Odunayo Adesanya Foundation, saw local-based Amadi Umeh emerge champion after defeating Rilwan Akanbi to the men single title while Aminat Fashola dominated the women single category after an overwhelming win over Sukurat Ayelabegan.
Reacting to the massive turnout witnessed by over 300 players across the country, topmost sponsor, Ganiyat Aruna disclosed the championship was initiated three years ago with the aim to groom future champions. Ganiyat however stressed she won’t relent in making sure hosting right of the tourney goes beyond Lagos State.
“The Championship is the brainchild of my husband, Quadri Aruna who is my biggest supporter. I intend to groom more future champions who will take over from my husband. We have a lot of hidden potentials in the country but they are starved of regular local championships.
“The inspiration came from the 2nd edition because a lot of people were thrilled and surprised with the level of the tournament; I would say the first edition was to create awareness.
“Aside from playing table tennis, I have always mentored some of these young players by educating them that knowledge is power because I want the best for them. Education is the best legacy and a backup plan after their playing days.”
‘Hosting right of this tournament will soon go beyond Lagos. We are hoping to take future edition to Ogun state and I hope it favours the players,’ the ex Toledos of Portugal star stated.
In a similar vein, Olusoga Odunayo Adesanya alongside Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende also hinted his outfit won’t relent in making sure the tourney soar to enviable height.