The Aruna siblings, children of Nigeria’s table tennis icon Quadri Aruna, captured the spotlight at the VIX João Monteiro Table Tennis Tournament in Portugal over the last weekend, bringing immense pride to their family and making a mark on the international sports stage. Their mother, Ganiyat Aruna, who also serves as their coach, stood by their side, cheering them on as they showcased their remarkable skills and determination.
Mariam, Quadri Junior, and Amira—each competing in different age categories—delivered exceptional performances, earning podium finishes that highlighted their emerging talent. Mariam clinched a silver medal in the U15 Girls’ event, while Quadri Junior also secured a silver in the U11 Boys’ category. Amira, not to be outdone, earned a well-deserved bronze medal in the U11 Girls’ event.
What made the siblings’ achievement even more poignant was the simultaneous success of their father, Quadri Aruna, who was competing at the World Table Tennis Contender event in Doha, Qatar. Although Quadri was focused on his semi-final match in Doha, his children were in Portugal, representing the family and continuing the table tennis legacy. Their victories on the podium served as a testament to the family’s deep commitment to the sport and the training instilled in them by their dedicated mother and coach.
Ganiyat Aruna, visibly proud but reflecting on the challenges of the day, expressed her gratitude. “It’s not easy,” she said, recalling the demanding schedule that began at 7 a.m. that day. “But Alhamdulilah, it all ended joyfully and with praises.”
The siblings’ triumphs in Portugal have not only showcased their skills on an international level but also underscored the Aruna family’s growing legacy in the world of table tennis. With their father continuing to make waves globally and their mother nurturing their potential, the Aruna children are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
This latest achievement adds to the growing list of accomplishments for the Aruna family, further cementing their status as one of the most influential and inspiring families in the table tennis community. As the Aruna siblings continue to build on their success, there is no doubt that their future in the sport looks incredibly bright.
