NAME: JAN ANGELO C.

CUELLO

GRADE/SEC: 11- GAS

The history of table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fascinating journey
that began in Victorian England. Here are some key milestones:

Origins: Table tennis originated as an indoor version of lawn tennis in the late 19th
century. The game was played with improvised equipment such as books and golf
balls.

Early Names: The game was initially known by various names, including indoor
tennis, gossima, whiff-waff, and ping pong. Different manufacturers used their own
patented or trademarked names for their versions of the game.

Invention of the Name Ping Pong: The name "ping pong" was derived from the
sound made by the ball bouncing off the drum-like rackets used in the game. The
English sports company John Jaques & Son became the market leader with their
version of the game called "ping pong."

Formation of Associations: The Table Tennis Association and the Ping Pong
Association were formed in England in 1901. They later merged to become the Table
Tennis Association. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was
established in 1926 to govern the sport globally.

World Championships: The first official World Championships were held in London in
1926. Hungary dominated the early years of the championships, with players like
Maria Mednyanszky and Victor Barna achieving great success.

Changes in Equipment and Rules: Over the years, there have been significant
changes in table tennis equipment and rules. These include the introduction of
sponge rubbers, the switch from celluloid to plastic balls, and modifications to the
scoring system.

Rise of Asian Dominance: From the 1950s onwards, Asian countries, particularly
China and Japan, emerged as dominant forces in table tennis. Chinese players, in
particular, have won numerous world championships and Olympic medals.
Olympic Recognition: Table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988, with singles
and doubles competitions for both men and women. China has been particularly
successful in Olympic table tennis, winning the majority of gold medals.

Modern Developments: Table tennis continues to evolve, with advancements in

equipment and techniques. The ITTF organizes various international tournaments,
including the World Championships and the World Cup.