Discover how ping pong, born in English parlours, became an Olympic sport played by millions of enthusiasts around the world.

The origins of table tennis: an aristocratic parlour game

Table tennis emerged in late 19th-century England as a miniature version of classical tennis. British aristocrats, looking for indoor entertainment during rainy evenings, improvised the game using a dining table, books as a net, and champagne corks or cork balls as balls. The term "ping-pong" appeared in 1901, derived from the onomatopoeia mimicking the sound of the ball being struck.
The game quickly gained popularity and manufacturers like J. Jaques & Son Ltd trademarked the name "Ping-Pong". Rules were standardised and the first official competitions emerged.

The internationalisation of ping pong

From the 1920s onwards, table tennis spread internationally. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926, the same year the first world championship was held in London. Europe dominated the scene, with nations like Hungary, England and Austria.
However, from the 1950s, Asia — particularly China, Japan and South Korea — rose as the new world power thanks to a faster playing style and innovative techniques. China would become one of the most decorated nations in the sport's history.

Table tennis at the Olympics and ping pong diplomacy

Table tennis entered the Olympic programme at the 1988 Seoul Games, confirming its status as a global sport. The Olympic competitions attract the world’s elite, with stars such as Ma Long and Deng Yaping.
Table tennis also played a key political role through "ping-pong diplomacy": in 1971, the Chinese and American teams faced each other in a sporting exchange that helped foster diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries. A historic moment that transcended sport.

A universal sport, between leisure and high competition

Today, table tennis is played by over 300 million players in more than 200 countries. It appeals to both amateurs and competitors, thanks to its friendliness, physical benefits (reflexes, coordination, endurance) and accessibility. World Table Tennis (WTT), recently launched by the ITTF, modernises competitions to attract an even broader audience with dynamic formats and enhanced visual spectacle.

In short

From its aristocratic roots to the Olympic arenas, table tennis has crossed eras and borders. Today it continues to evolve, while remaining true to its nature: fast, tactical and accessible.