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Table tennis, also known as ping pong, was invented in the late 1880s by British military officers in India and South Africa as a leisure activity. Initially, it involved the use of improvised equipment such as books for rackets and a row of books as the net.

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John Jacques & Son, a British sporting goods manufacturer, trademarked the name 'Ping Pong'. The game quickly became a fashionable pastime among the British elite.

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1921: Formation of the English Table Tennis Association

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1921: Formation of the English Table Tennis Association

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The English Table Tennis Association (ETTA), now known as Table Tennis England, was established to govern the sport in England. This marked the beginning of organized competition and formalized rules for the sport in the UK.

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1926: London Hosts the First World Championships

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1926: London Hosts the First World Championships

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The first World Table Tennis Championships were held in London, showcasing the global appeal of the sport. The tournament featured singles and doubles matches, including categories for men and women.

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Hungarian-born Victor Barna, who became a British citizen, dominated the world table tennis scene in the 1930s. He won 22 world titles, including 5 singles titles, and greatly contributed to the popularity of the sport in the UK.

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Mary Wright became the first British woman to win a singles title at the World Table Tennis Championships. Her victory was a significant milestone for British table tennis, highlighting the achievements of female athletes in the sport.

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1971: Table Tennis Featured at the Commonwealth Games

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1971: Table Tennis Featured at the Commonwealth Games

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Table tennis was included as an official sport at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, further establishing its significance within the UK and the Commonwealth countries.

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Desmond Douglas, one of the best British table tennis players of all time, rose to prominence in the 1980s. Known for his quick reflexes and dynamic playing style, Douglas became a European Top 12 champion and greatly influenced the sport in the UK.

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1997: The Introduction of Speed Glue Ban

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1997: The Introduction of Speed Glue Ban

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The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced a ban on the use of speed glue, which had been popular among players for making the ball move faster. This rule change had a significant impact on the playing techniques and equipment used by players globally, including in the UK.

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2012: London Olympics Table Tennis Events

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2012: London Olympics Table Tennis Events

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The 2012 Olympics in London featured table tennis events, marking an exciting moment for UK fans to witness the sport on a grand international stage. The event helped boost the popularity and visibility of table tennis in the UK.