Table Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has been around for over a hundred years and it is especially popular in Asia. It is an Olympic sport, and millions of people play it as a recreational activity. But why is it called Table Tennis and not Ping Pong? This article will look at the history of the game and why it is called Table Tennis and not Ping Pong.
History of Table Tennis
Table Tennis, also known as ping-pong, has been around for over a hundred years. According to some sources, the game was first played in the 1880s in England. The game was initially played by upper-class English people as a parlor game. It was later adopted by other countries, and it quickly became popular in Europe and Asia.
Table Tennis vs. Ping Pong
The terms “Table Tennis” and “Ping Pong” are often used interchangeably. While they are often used to describe the same game, there are some differences between the two. Table Tennis is a competitive sport, while Ping Pong is more of a recreational game.
Table Tennis
Table Tennis is an Olympic sport that is played by two or four players. It is a very competitive sport, and it requires a lot of skill and strategy. The game is usually played on a table that is 2.5m long, 1.5m wide, and 76cm high. The players use paddles to hit a small, rubber ball back and forth across the table.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong is a recreational game that is usually played by two or four people. It is usually played on a smaller table than Table Tennis, and the rules are not as strict. The paddles used for Ping Pong are usually smaller than those used for Table Tennis. The ball used for Ping Pong is also smaller, and it is sometimes lighter than the one used for Table Tennis.
Why is it Called Table Tennis and Not Ping Pong?
Table Tennis and Ping Pong are two different games, and they have different rules and equipment. So why is it called Table Tennis and not Ping Pong? The answer lies in the history of the game.
The Name ‘Table Tennis’
Table Tennis was first called “Table Tennis” in the late 19th century. It was initially called “Gossima” and then “Whiff-Whaff” in England. But in 1901, the name “Table Tennis” was officially adopted by the Table Tennis Association. The name “Table Tennis” became more popular than “Ping Pong” and it eventually became the official name of the sport.
Ping Pong
The term “Ping Pong” was first used in England in the late 19th century. It was initially used as a trademark name for a specific brand of table tennis equipment. The brand name eventually became associated with the game, and it is still used today to refer to the game. However, the term “Table Tennis” is the official name of the sport.
Popularity of Table Tennis
Table Tennis is more popular than Ping Pong in most parts of the world. This is because Table Tennis is an official Olympic sport and it has a more structured set of rules and regulations. Ping Pong, on the other hand, is seen as more of a recreational activity.
Conclusion
Table Tennis and Ping Pong are two different games, and they have different rules and equipment. Table Tennis is an Olympic sport that is played by two or four players and it requires a lot of skill and strategy. Ping Pong is a recreational game that is usually played by two or four people and the rules are not as strict. The name “Table Tennis” was adopted in 1901, and it has become the official name of the sport. Table Tennis is more popular than Ping Pong in most parts of the world.