A Look at the Sport’s Growing Popularity of Table Tennis in the Philippines
Since 1900, table tennis in the Philippines has grown. From a backyard pastime, the sport has grown to become a competitive sport with national championships, thanks to its players and fans.
OKBet fam, here is a brief look at table tennis in the Philippines.
The Brief History of Table Tennis
Table tennis (ping-pong) has a brief but intriguing history. England created the Table Tennis Association in 1901 and recognized it in 1926. The International Table Tennis Federation was established in 1926 to establish rules and regulations for the sport as it became more popular in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Table game is among the most popular indoor sports in over 200 countries. It was then integrated to the Olympics in 1988 after it became prevalent in the 1930s and 1940s.
Over the years, the sport has undergone many changes, including the introduction of new equipment, scoring systems, and playing styles. From its humble beginnings as an indoor pastime to its current status as a competitive sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, the history of table tennis is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and adaptability.
Quick Trivia
Who Invented Table Tennis?
Late 1800s, England invented table tennis. Game inventorship is contested but still, British sports fans started playing indoor tennis with books as paddles and champagne corks as balls.
In What Country Did Table Tennis Originate?
Table tennis was invented in England and was considered as a type of tennis that is played indoors. However, it became a separate sport in the early 1900s.
In What Year Did Table Tennis Become an Olympic Sport?
Olympic table tennis began in 1988. The Seoul Olympics introduced it as a medal event. Since then, the Summer Olympics have included singles and team table tennis events for men and women.
Table Tennis Scoring
Table tennis players score points by hitting the ball over the net onto their opponent’s side. Players score points when their opponents lose or hit the ball out of bounds. The 1st player to 11 points with a two-point lead wins. A 10-10 tie continues until one player gets a two-point lead. The person who wins an odd number of games, such as 5 or 7, wins the match.
Table Tennis Table Size
Table tennis tables are 2.74 meters (9 feet) long, 1.525 meters (5 feet) broad, and 0.76 meters (2.5 feet) high. A 15.25-centimeter (6-inch) net divides the table in half. Green or blue paint covers the table’s wood surface. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) regulates table size and specifications to promote consistency.