TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis originated in late 19th-century England and evolved into a global sport, embraced by both able-bodied and disabled players. The objective is to hit the ball so it bounces once on the opponent’s side, scoring points when the opponent fails to return it correctly. Matches are played to 11 points per game, with variations in serving rules for singles and doubles. The sport includes 10 disability classes, five for standing players and five for wheelchair players, with minor rule modifications. Table tennis promotes social inclusion by allowing diverse match configurations, including able-bodied vs. disabled players and mixed doubles. Wheelchair athletes compete in seated classes, and men and women can compete both individually and in teams. The sport’s adaptability and broad classification system make it highly inclusive, accommodating players with various physical impairments ranging from amputations to cerebral palsy.