Ping pong is a popular sport played around the world. It is a fast-paced game played by two or four players, whose objective is to hit the ball over the net with a specially designed bat.
Table tennis, which is similar to ping pong, is also a fast-paced sport. The aim is to hit the ball over the net while keeping it on the opponent’s side.
There are many types of ping pong. Some use a rubber surface, while others use a sandpaper bat. Despite these differences, ping pong players still use the same bat and play the same game.
The earliest forms of the game were a parlor game. They began to evolve into a sport in the early 20th century. By 1901, “Ping-Pong” was trademarked in England. In the United States, a company named Parker Brothers purchased the naming rights.
Ping-pong was originally a recreational sport, but was also promoted by game manufacturers. Several companies have trademarked the name of ping pong, but it is legally used only in a few jurisdictions.
The game has evolved from a simple game played by a group of people to a highly competitive sport. Players compete in leagues and international tournaments. However, it is not recognized as an Olympic sport.
During the 1970s, China became a breeding ground for table tennis champions. Chinese athletes dominated the sports for several decades. These athletes were invited to the U.S. after a chance encounter with American officials.