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INDIAN 2018: Aruna Quadri Leads Foreign Legions to Ultimate League

Published

7 years ago

June 6, 2018

By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Abeokuta

Aruna Quadri has been selected as the only African among 18 other foreigners to compete in the season two of the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis holding in three Indian cities – Pune, Delhi and Kolkata.

Quadri who competed in the maiden edition as the only player from Africa has been teamed up with Indian legend – Sharath Achanta to form the Warriors TTC coached by India’s R. Rajesh and Hungarian ace, Ferenc Karsai.

Described by the organizers as African sensation – Aruna Quadri stays and leads the foreign contingent, which include Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan, Austria’s Sofia Polcanova, and Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova to complete the foreign quota.

Indian star player – Achanta leads the way for the Indian players in the team. Achanta will be joined by Pooja Sahasrabudhe, Sreeja Akula and Ravindra Kotiyan, who are three of Indian table tennis’ brightest stars to occupy the domestic spots.

The CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis Powered By Kellogg’s promises 18 days of trailblazing table tennis across Pune, Delhi and Kolkata starting June 14, 2018.

The second season promises to take the sport to greater heights and newer audiences as six franchises will battle it out for the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis trophy, with Falcons TTC coming in as the defending champions.

The CEAT UTT Powered by Kellogg’s, is an initiative by 11Sports with the support of Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).

World number 12, Simon Gauzy and Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem (World No. 13) are among the top-ranked foreign players in the glitzy league featuring six teams– Empowerji Challengers, Dabang Smashers T.T.C, Falcons TTC, Maharashtra United, RP-SG Mavericks and Warriors T.T.C.

Players from 19 different nationalities will be competing in the league and amongst them are 24 Olympians, 19 National champions and 17 No. 1 ranked players of their respective countries.

During the league phase spread over 15 days, each team will play the other once with six ties each in Pune and Delhi. Kolkata will play host to three league ties besides the semifinals and the grand finale on July 1.

Maharashtra United, whose roster boasts the likes of Anthony Amalraj along with Swede Kristian Karlsson (World No. 18) and Romanian Elizabeta Samara (World No. 19), face a stiff challenge first up as they line up against defending champions Falcons TTC who are spearheaded by Sanil Shetty and another top Swede in Matilda Ekholm (World No. 30) on the inaugural day at the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune.

High-voltage action is on the cards on the second day when Empowerji Challengers, who possess top-ranked players in Gauzy, Manav Thakkar (World Junior No. 2) and Hong Kong’s Lee Ho Ching (World No. 20), clash with an equally quality side RP-SG Mavericks, who have World No. 20 Mattias Karlsson (Sweden), Doo Hoi Kem and Mouma Das in their ranks.

According to the organizers, CMG double gold medallist Manika Batra would step up to the table on the third day when her team Dabang Smashers T.T.C., that includes Sakura Mori (World No 28) and G Sathiyan, lines up against Warriors T.T.C. (formerly Yoddhas) comprising Sharath Kamal, World No. 15 Chuang Chih-Yuan (Chinese Taipei), World No. 22 Aruna Quadri (Nigeria) and World No. 18 Sofia Polcanova (Austria).

The teams will be aiming for an early lead as they play their second ties in the next three days of action before heading to the Capital.

Delhi fans get an opportunity to root for their homegrown star Manika as Dabang Smashers will lock horns with RP-SG Mavericks in the first tie at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex. The next five days are expected to throw up some exciting fare as teams will be looking to log maximum points.

The proceedings at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium begin with the Empowerji Challengers facing Dabang Smashers TTC. The penultimate day of the League will see Maharashtra United taking on Warriors T.T.C while RP-SG Mavericks meet Falcons TTC on June 28.

After the league stage, the first and fourth-placed teams will play the first semifinal on June 29 while the second and third-placed teams play the second semifinal the next day. The final will be on July 1.

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Seyi Tinubu gave me a terrible Christmas -prophet Ikuru

Published

7 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

The prophetic hall of fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has reacted to the cold reception and rejection he recieved from the son the son of the president,seyi Tinubu on Christmas day.

Speaking about the incident, the prophet reiterated that he felt Insulted by seyi Tinubu’s cold reception towards him on Christmas day ” i had a terrible Christmas and it was caused by Seyi Tinubu,I called him to wish him merry Christmas and he told me that he doesn’t know me,I really felt deeply insulted because we know eachother even if he wasn’t in a good mood that yesterday,he shouldn’t have denied knowing Me because i fought and went through a lot because of the father and he’s aware of everything, denying me is not necessary,it was intensely excruciating because it was a Christmas day ”

Prophet Ikuru is a staunch supporter and defender of the president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu , he’s the major prophet that prophesied that Tinubu was going to become the president and fascinated immense attacks and hatred for that ,he also escaped assassination for the sake of the president

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Prophet Ikuru bombarded with calls from opposition parties to join them against 2027

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

By Collins Nkwocha

Prophet Godwin Ikuru has cemented his position as one of the leading prophets on the African continent, as an integral part of APC , the prophetic hall of fame never hid his love for the president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu whom he prognosticated into power and fought several battles for his sake

It’s alarming to discover that several political parties are wooing the handsome prophet against 2027 as they believe that his true potential is being underutilised in APC who left him without a portfolio,they kept bombarding him with numerous calls for him to leave the ruling party and join them against 2027

Despite the numerous calls and emissaries sent by the opposition parties,the prophetic hall of fame has kept faith with APC because of the unending love he has for Mr.president,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he’s willing to remain with him despite all the happenings and odds.

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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.

Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.

“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”

Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.

As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.

In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.

As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.