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Table tennis

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description Table tennis Overview

Table tennis is a competitive racket sport played on a hard table divided by a net, where players use wooden paddles to hit a lightweight plastic ball. Originating in Victorian England, the sport evolved from after-dinner parlour games. It has been governed internationally by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) since 1926. Table tennis has been an official Olympic sport since the 1988 Seoul games and is played by millions worldwide at both amateur and professional levels.

help Table tennis FAQ

What is the international governing body for table tennis?

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the global governing body for the sport. It was founded in 1926 and is responsible for maintaining the rules of play and organizing international events like the World Table Tennis Championships.

When and where did table tennis originate?

Table tennis originated in Victorian England as an after-dinner parlour game among the upper class. Players initially used everyday items like books for nets and a champagne cork or golf ball to hit back and forth on a dining table.

What equipment is required to play a standard game?

A standard game requires a hard table divided by a net, along with wooden paddles covered in rubber and a lightweight plastic ball. Matches are typically played to 11 points, and the ball must bounce once on each side of the table during a rally.

How is table tennis played at the Olympic Games?

Table tennis has been an official Olympic sport since the 1988 Seoul Games. The Olympics feature men's and women's singles and team events, with mixed doubles being added to the program at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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