7 Most Amazing Facts About Table Tennis

Many people around the world are engaged in table tennis. Below you will find 7 of the most interesting facts about this game.

1. Table tennis was invented in the late 1880s in England

The creators of the game attempted to mimic the widespread enthusiasm for lawn tennis by developing an indoor version of the game.

Since early versions were conceived by different individuals, each used their own exclusive names. Thus, table tennis is also known as ping-pong, 'gossima', and even 'whiff-whaff'. Everything for table tennis can be purchased here - http://domsporta.com.ua/tennisnye-stoly/tennisnye-stoly-gsi-sport

2. The international governing body and official rules of ping-pong were formulated in 1926

The governing body of the game - the International Table Tennis Federation - was established in January 1926 by representatives of associations from Austria, as well as England, Germany, and Hungary.

They also agreed to create the debut 'Constitution' and the original rules of the game in December 1926. Many of the original rules have remained relatively unchanged after almost 100 years of implementation.

3. Table tennis 'bonded' China and England

China stunned the world when it invited England, the USA, Canada, and Colombia to play a series of friendly matches in China in 1971. This was China's first contact with the outside world in six years.

Media around the world dubbed it 'ping-pong diplomacy'. Despite this seemingly spontaneous act of friendship, it was a carefully planned move by Chinese leaders.

4. Chinese players are the best in the game

China has made table tennis its national sport, thus Chinese players dominate the world rankings of champions globally. They have won 98 out of 119 World Championships since 1981.

5. There are over 1500 types of rubber on rackets

It is considered that only approved coverings (rubber) may be used on rackets.

One side must be black while the other must be red, but players can use different types of rubber on each side of the racket. Different rubbers can showcase various table tennis techniques.

6. Table tennis balls used to be made of celluloid

In the early 20th century, ping-pong balls were made of celluloid, but this is no longer done.

Since July 1 of last year, all international events have used only plastic balls. Since September 2015, all countries are allowed to use only new plastic balls.

7. Table tennis is the most famous indoor sport in the world

Currently, all countries play ping-pong, and this sport is featured in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Table tennis is popular because anyone can play it, regardless of age or physical condition.