Segun Bailey 
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar are among the top 16 seeds for the Men’s Singles table tennis event.
Aruna, the first African to reach the Olympic table tennis quarterfinals, is currently ranked 19th in the world, while Assar, the second African to reach this milestone, holds the 22nd spot.
The official seedings, based on the July 16th ITTF World Rankings, will reveal potential matchups that promise excitement for fans.
Both African stars are expected to begin their campaigns from the second round (round of 64) on July 28 at the South Paris Arena.
Aruna, making his fourth Olympic appearance, aims for a podium finish, while Assar, who matched Aruna’s quarterfinal feat at Tokyo 2020, is another key player to watch.
Assar joins Mohamed El-Beiali as Egypt’s representative in the Men’s Singles, with Dina Meshref and Hana Goda competing in the Women’s Singles. Joining Aruna in the Men’s Singles is Olajide Omotayo from Nigeria.
Other African players include Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw, and Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana, who will be the first from his country to compete in Olympic table tennis.
Saheed Idowu of Congo Brazzaville also secured a spot through a Tripartite Invitation.
