Quadri Aruna Criticizes World Table Tennis for Unfair Treatment
Aruna Quadri Africa’s top-ranked table tennis player, has voiced his frustration with what he perceives as selective justice by the World Table Tennis (WTT) organization.
Aruna expressed disappointment over the penalties imposed on him for missing two major tournaments, despite his consistent Top 20 world ranking.
In a statement shared on his social media, Aruna condemned the “two ranking penalties in two consecutive months” along with a monetary fine, describing them as unjustifiable.
He highlighted his absence from the World Championships in Korea due to illness, specifically chronic diarrhea, which prevented him from obtaining a timely doctor’s report.
Aruna’s appeal for understanding and leniency was reportedly rejected, leading him to believe that his African origin and nationality played a role in the decision.
Additionally, Aruna cited his commitment to representing his club, which pays him a salary, as a reason for missing the WTT CHAMPIONSHIP in Korea.
Despite notifying WTT a month in advance about his club commitments, he faced penalties for this decision.
The Commonwealth Silver medallist raised concerns about discrimination based on nationality and race, emphasizing that being African, Nigerian, and a black player in the top 20 should not warrant such harsh treatment from WTT.
Aruna concluded by calling the penalties unjust and unacceptable, urging for fair treatment and transparency in WTT’s decisions.
