Aruna Quadri

**Aruna Quadri: Nigerian Table Tennis Champion** Quadri Akinade Aruna, widely known as Aruna Quadri, or by his nicknames "Rocky Aruna" or "Quadri Balboa," is a highly celebrated Nigerian professional table tennis player. He is recognized as one of the most prominent athletes in African table tennis history, having achieved multiple continental titles and becoming the first African player to be ranked in the world's top 10. **Early Life and Education** Aruna Quadri was born on August 9, 1988, in Ojo, Oyo, Nigeria. His early life involved a strong focus on both academics and sports. He attended LA School New Durban for his primary education before proceeding to Oba Adeyemi Grammar School in Oyo Town. During his time at Oba Adeyemi High School, Aruna began to represent his school, the Oyo East Local Government Area, and Oyo State in various table tennis competitions, setting the foundation for his professional career. He is married to fellow table tennis player Aruna Olateju Ganiyat, and they have three children. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Aruna's career saw him rise from a formidable national player to a global contender. He is known for his aggressive, attacking playing style. A pivotal moment in his career was his performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he entered as seed number 27. He became the first African player to reach the quarter-finals of the men's singles event at the Olympic Games, solidifying his status on the international stage. Aruna Quadri is a dominant force in African table tennis, holding seven African Championship titles, including twice in singles, three times in doubles, and twice in team events. He has also competed in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics. On the professional circuit, he has secured three singles titles and one doubles title. **Notable Milestones and Rankings** A significant career milestone occurred in May 2022 when Aruna Quadri reached his highest world ranking of number 10, making history as the first player from Africa to achieve a top 10 world ranking in table tennis. His professional club affiliation is with Gazprom Fakel Orenburg. **Current Status** As of July 2025, Aruna Quadri maintains a high position in the world rankings (currently 24) and continues to actively represent Nigeria in major international competitions, including the African Games and the ITTF World Tour events. He remains a key figure in promoting the sport in Nigeria and across the African continent.