| Table tennis is a game enjoyed by many around the | | | | represent their countries in the Paralympics Games. |
| world. The concept originated in Europe as a social | | | | This game is most definitely an inclusive and rewarding |
| activity for members of upper class society. It spread | | | | sport. |
| quickly as the European elite casually exposed others | | | | Table tennis is the national sport of China. It is also one |
| to this exciting after-dinner activity during their travels | | | | of the more dominant sports in Singapore and |
| to locations around the globe. Sweden, Hungary, | | | | Vietnam. Citizens from these countries view top |
| France, and the United States were early hotspots for | | | | players in this sport's arena with the same reverence |
| the game and all remain active on the table tennis | | | | that spectators in the USA display for superstar |
| world stage. | | | | athletes on football, baseball, and basketball teams. |
| British army officers also had a role in advancing the | | | | China has a table tennis training center that rivals the |
| sport. They are responsible for acquainting the | | | | most advanced training facility of any sport, anywhere |
| residents of Japan, China, Korea, India, and South | | | | in the world. The time, effort, and resources dedicated |
| Africa with the tabletop sport. While on tours of duty in | | | | to the sport by this country are evident when viewing |
| these countries, the officers would gather and hold | | | | the official rankings as recorded by the International |
| matches for entertainment. Residents who witnessed | | | | Table Tennis Federation. Chinese players have won |
| the officers playing would often recreate the game on | | | | more World Championship titles than players from any |
| their own using any available materials. It is truly a | | | | other country. They continue to dominate competitions |
| game that anyone can learn and anyone can teach. | | | | without exception. More than 57 countries were |
| The basic concept is simple to understand and can be | | | | represented at the 2008 Olympic Games. Of the |
| learned through demonstration without the need for | | | | twelve medals awarded at the Games, China earned |
| verbal instruction. Language is not a barrier and neither | | | | eight. |
| is physical disability. Disabled athletes around the world | | | | |