Quadri Aruna, Nigeria’s prominent table tennis star, is set to compete in the inaugural WTT Contender Chennai in India, stepping in as a replacement for German player Dimitrij Ovtcharov. This tournament, scheduled from March 25th to 30th at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marks the fifth WTT event of the year and the series’ first foray into Chennai. With a substantial prize purse of $270,000, the event promises intense competition and showcases the growing global presence of table tennis. Aruna’s inclusion further elevates the tournament’s profile, given his standing as a leading African player and his consistent presence in high-level international competitions.
Aruna’s participation in the WTT Contender Chennai comes after mixed results in previous WTT events this year. In January, he reached the semi-finals of the WTT Star Contender in Doha, showcasing his skill and determination before falling to Japanese prodigy Tomokazu Harimoto. More recently, Aruna experienced a setback at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2025, losing in the round of 32 to world number two Wang Chuqin of China. The Chennai tournament presents an opportunity for Aruna to rebound and demonstrate his prowess against a strong field of international competitors.
The WTT Contender Chennai features a formidable lineup of players, including Aruna’s African rival, Omar Assar from Egypt. Other notable participants include Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, ranked 17th globally, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, ranked 6th, and Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, currently ranked 4th in the world. This diverse field of players guarantees a high level of competition and sets the stage for exciting matches, attracting both seasoned table tennis enthusiasts and new audiences alike. The tournament not only provides a platform for individual players to shine but also contributes to the overall growth and visibility of table tennis.
The World Table Tennis (WTT) organization has expressed anticipation for Aruna’s performance in Chennai, signaling their belief in his potential to make a significant impact. Their promotional video featuring Aruna and the caption “Stay tuned. There’s more to come from Quadri Aruna in India” underscores their confidence in his abilities. This endorsement from the governing body adds to the excitement surrounding Aruna’s participation and further emphasizes his status as a key player to watch.
Mounir Bessah, WTT Executive Director of Events, highlighted the significance of Chennai hosting a WTT event, emphasizing its strategic importance in expanding the sport’s global reach and engaging with the passionate Indian fanbase. The choice of Chennai, with its rich sporting history and the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, reflects WTT’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for players and spectators alike. The collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government further underscores the significance of this event and its potential to foster the growth of table tennis in the region.
In conclusion, the WTT Contender Chennai promises to be a compelling tournament, showcasing the talents of some of the world’s leading table tennis players. Quadri Aruna’s participation adds a layer of intrigue and anticipation, as he seeks to build on his past performances and solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with in international table tennis. The event also marks an important step for the WTT in expanding its global presence and cultivating new audiences for the sport, particularly in India, a country with a growing passion for table tennis. The stage is set for a thrilling display of skill, athleticism, and sportsmanship in Chennai, further cementing table tennis’s position as a dynamic and engaging sport on the world stage.
