Quadri, a testimony to an individual sport

Being the first and the only player from Africa to participate in the Ultimate Table Tennis League, Quadri knows the focus would be on him during the three-week tournament. The Rio Olympics quarter-finalist only deems appropriate to focus on the job on hand. “I am overwhelmed to be one of the 24 foreign players in the tournament. 

It would be a great experience playing alongside the best in the business and I hope to learn a lot from this stint,” he said. With what started as a humble beginning in the ancient town of Oyo, Southwest Nigeria, Quadri took up the sport as a pastime. 

Unlike most players, the 28-year-old never had a junior career as he didn’t have any avenue to exploit. He lived elbow to elbow in a small home as the youngest of seven full siblings, along with eight other half siblings. 

He played the sport on the streets of Oyo with a homemade racket and wads of paper, a common hobby among his friends. He played casually, occasionally competing in local and state competitions in school. 

“I started table tennis 22 years ago as a recreational activity. I wanted to eke a living out of this game as I believed in my talent and myself,” he said. Quadri is a passionate player. When he wins a point, he lets out a fierce yell, pumping his fists in triumph. When he loses, one can see him stomp his feet and muscled quads. More of an athlete, Quadri’s passion sets him apart from the rest. 

India’s top ranked paddler A Sharath Kamal said, Quadri is a ‘one of a kind player’. “He is like a rose near a dustbin. He has tremendous talent and aggression. He is a player to watch out for,” he said. He rose to the limelight gradually and the International Table Tennis Federation’s Star Player of the Year Award in 2014 was just a testimony to his hard work. Two years later, in the sports prestigious quadrennial event at Rio de Janeiro, Quadri beat former World No. 1 Timo Ball to enter an Olympic quarter-final for the first time. 

“Beating Timo had to be the best moment in my career. I had worked hard for it and I am elated to have written a piece of history,” he added. Quadri has many medals to his credit, mostly silver and bronze. Does that leave him hungry for gold in the future? “I am not thinking too far ahead. For me, it is all about living in the present and winning matches. For now, my mind is all on the table tennis league and I am hoping to put up a good show,” he concluded.