Mariam Aruna, the daughter of renowned Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna, is poised to embark on her international table tennis journey, representing Nigeria at the prestigious ITTF Africa Youth Championships. This tournament, a crucible for emerging talent in the sport, is scheduled to unfold from July 27th to August 3rd, 2024, at the esteemed Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall within the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria. Mariam’s inclusion in the Nigerian U-15 girls’ team marks a significant step in her burgeoning table tennis career, a path undoubtedly influenced by her father’s legacy in the sport.
The young Aruna will be joining forces with her teammates Fatimoh Ahmed, Chinenye Okafor, and Aziza Sezuo, forming a formidable quartet representing the nation’s hopes in the U-15 girls’ category. They are set to face stiff competition from a diverse pool of talented young players hailing from ten other African countries, including table tennis powerhouses like Egypt, Tunisia, Uganda, and South Africa. The championships provide a crucial platform for these young athletes to showcase their skills, gain valuable international experience, and contribute to the growth of table tennis within the African continent.
Prior to the commencement of the Africa Youth Championships, Mariam, under the tutelage of her mother and coach, Ganiyat Aruna, gained invaluable exposure by participating in the WTT Contender tournament held in Lagos. This experience, though resulting in a narrow miss of the main draw, provided the 12-year-old with a taste of high-level competition, a crucial stepping stone in her development. Her victory against Benin’s Amady Stacy in Group 15 showcased her potential and offered a glimpse of her growing prowess in the sport.
Mariam’s journey in table tennis, however, extends beyond the confines of the upcoming championships. Earlier in 2024, she, along with her siblings, participated in the João Monteiro Table Tennis Tournament held in Portugal, a testament to the family’s deep-rooted involvement in the sport. Mariam’s commendable second-place finish in the U-15 category further underscores her talent and dedication. Her brother, Aruna Junior, mirrored her achievement with a second-place finish in the U-11 category, while her sister, Amirah Aruna, celebrated her first-ever table tennis trophy with a third-place finish in the same category.
The Aruna family’s achievements in Portugal reflect not only individual talent but also the nurturing environment fostered by their mother and coach, Ganiyat Aruna. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping the young athletes’ careers, laying the foundation for their future successes in table tennis. The siblings’ collective accomplishments serve as an inspiration and a testament to the power of familial support in nurturing sporting talent.
As Mariam prepares for the ITTF Africa Youth Championships, she carries the weight of expectation and the legacy of her father, a prominent figure in Nigerian table tennis. However, her recent performances, coupled with her family’s unwavering support and her own dedication to the sport, suggest that she is well-equipped to handle the pressure and make a significant impact on the tournament. The championships present a unique opportunity for Mariam to further hone her skills, test her mettle against some of the best young players in Africa, and carve her own path in the world of table tennis. Her journey, undoubtedly one to watch, represents the future of Nigerian table tennis and the continued growth of the sport within the continent.
