INTRODUCTION

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fast-paced indoor sport played by two or four
players. It is a game that combines agility, precision, strategy, and intense concentration.
Played on a rectangular table divided by a net, players use paddles (also called rackets or
bats) to hit a lightweight plastic ball back and forth. The objective is to score points by
making the ball land on the opponent’s side of the table in a way that prevents a return.

Though often perceived as a recreational or hobby game, table tennis is a highly competitive
international sport governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). It has been
an Olympic discipline since 1988 and enjoys a massive global following, particularly in
countries like China, Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

Table tennis holds a unique position as both a widely accessible recreational game and an
elite competitive sport. Its simplicity in setup contrasts with its depth in strategy and skill,
making it a valuable activity for physical health, mental sharpness, and social interaction.
Understanding the game more deeply can foster greater appreciation and promote wider
participation across age groups and communities.

CHAPTER 1

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Table tennis originated in Victorian England during the 1880s as a parlour game played by the
upper class. Often referred to as "indoor tennis" or "whiff-whaff," it was initially improvised
using everyday household items. Books served as nets, rounded wine corks as balls, and cigar

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box lids as paddles. The game was modeled after lawn tennis and played informally after
dinner parties.

The game’s commercial development began around the 1890s. Companies began
manufacturing standardized equipment, and the term "Ping Pong" was trademarked in 1901
by the English firm J. Jaques & Son Ltd., later licensed in the U.S. to Parker Brothers.
Around the same time, the name "table tennis" was adopted to distinguish the sport from the
branded version.

2.1 Early Rule Formation and Growth

In 1926, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was established, with founding
members from England, Germany, Hungary, India, and Czechoslovakia. That same year saw
the first World Table Tennis Championships in London, which laid the groundwork for
international competition and standardized rules.

During the early years, European nations such as Hungary, Austria, and Czechoslovakia
dominated the sport. Players like Victor Barna and Richard Bergmann became early legends,
known for their grace and technical skills.

2.2 Technological Advancements

A major turning point came in the 1950s with the introduction of the sponge racket, which
allowed players to impart greater speed and spin on the ball. This innovation transformed the
dynamics of the game and gave rise to more aggressive playing styles.

Simultaneously, Asian countries—particularly Japan and later China—began to emerge as

global powerhouses. Japan's Hiroji Satoh became the first to use a sponge racket effectively,
winning the 1952 World Championship and initiating a tactical revolution.

From the 1960s onward, China began its long-standing dominance. Players such as Zhuang
Zedong, Deng Yaping, and later Ma Long and Zhang Jike became iconic figures.China's
systematic talent development and innovative techniques helped the nation build a
nearunbeatable legacy.

2.3 Table Tennis on the Olympic Stage

The sport reached a global milestone in 1988, when table tennis made its debut at the Seoul
Summer Olympics. The inclusion brought more media attention, funding, and structured

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development worldwide. Events included men's and women's singles and doubles, later
evolving into team events.

Since then, table tennis has remained a staple of the Olympic program, with China
consistently leading the medal tally. The sport continues to evolve in intensity, technique, and
international reach.

2.4 Modern Era and Globalization

In the 21st century, table tennis has embraced modernization and globalization. The ITTF has
introduced changes such as o Enlarging the ball from 38mm to 40mm in 2000 for better

visibility. o Changing the scoring system from 21-point to 11-point games.

o Implementing plastic (non-celluloid) balls to improve safety and standardization.

CHAPTER 2

GROUND AND EQUIPMENTS

Playing Area Specifications

Length: 14 meters

Width: 7 meters

Height: 5 meters (minimum)

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Floor: Non-slippery, matte surface (rubber, wood, or PVC)

Lighting: Minimum 600 lux; no glare

Temperature: Ideally 15–25°C

Table Specifications Length:

2.74 meters

Width: 1.525 meters

Height: 76 cm from the floor

Material: Wood or composite, giving a 23 cm bounce from a 30 cm drop

Color: Dark (e.g., green or blue), matte finish

Markings: 2 cm white boundary lines and a 3 mm center line (for doubles)

Net Assembly

Length: 1.83 meters

Height: 15.25 cm

Overhang: 15.25 cm on each side of the table

Material: Mesh net with adjustable tension

Surroundings

The playing area is typically enclosed with barriers (also called surrounds).

Barriers: 75–100 cm high surrounds enclose the court

Ceiling Height: Minimum 5 meters

Walls/Curtains: Dark and non-reflective

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 EQUIPMENT

❖ TABLE
Dimensions: 2.74 meters (9 feet) long, 1.525 meters (5 feet) wide, and 76 cm (2.5
feet) high.
Surface: Must be uniformly dark-colored and matte, usually green or blue, with a 2
cm white boundary line around the edges and a white center line in doubles.
Material: Typically made from fiberboard or plywood, coated with a smooth layer to
ensure consistent ball bounce (23 cm when dropped from 30 cm).
Net and Post Assembly: The net is 15.25 cm (6 inches) high and extends 15.25 cm
beyond each edge of the table.

Types of Table Tennis Tables:

Indoor Table Tennis Table:

Material: High-density fiberboard or plywood

Bounce Quality: Excellent
Surface: Smooth, matte (green or blue)
Outdoor Table Tennis Table:
Material: Aluminum, weatherproof wood, or composite resin

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 Surface: Waterproof and UV-resistant

❖ BALL
Diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 2.7 grams
Material: Originally made of celluloid, the ball is now made from poly-plastic, which
is safer and more environmentally friendly.
Color: Usually white or orange, chosen based on visibility relative to the playing
environment. Competitive balls must have a matte finish.

Star Rating: Balls are rated from 1-star to 3-star, with 3-star being the highest quality
used in international competitions. These are tested for roundness, hardness, seam
quality, and bounce consistency.

❖ RACKET (BAT OR PADDLE)

Blade: Made of wood (at least 85%), often with composite layers such as carbon or
glass fiber for added speed or control.
Shape: Typically oval, though variations exist based on player preference.
Weight: Usually between 70–100 grams, but can vary.

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 Rubber: Applied to one or both sides of the blade.One side must be bright red, the
other black, for visual contrast.

Handle Types: Flared, straight, or anatomic.

❖ NET AND POST SET

Net Length: 1.83 m
Height: 15.25 cm
Material: Mesh net with string or cord for tension.

Overhang: Net extends 15.25 cm beyond each side of the table.

❖ PLAYER ATTIRE
Shirt and Shorts/Skirt: Light, breathable materials.
Colors: Must contrast with the ball.
Shoes: Lightweight, non-marking, good grip (indoor court shoes).

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❖ NET GAUGE
In table tennis, a net gauge is a simple tool used to ensure that the net and its assembly
comply with official regulations set by the International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF). It is typically a small plastic or metal device with specific cutouts or
measurements.

The net gauge is used to:

1. Measure net height – to ensure it is exactly 15.25 cm (6 inches) above the playing
surface.
2. Check net tension – by verifying that the net isn't sagging in the middle.
3. Ensure net overhang – that the net extends 15.25 cm beyond the edge of the table
on each side.

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 CHAPTER 3

SKILLS
3.1 ADVANCED STRATEGIES IN TABLE TENNIS

Once foundational skills are mastered, players must develop advanced strategies to gain a
competitive edge. These strategies revolve around spin manipulation, placement, variation,
and psychological tactics. Understanding and applying these principles enables players to
outthink and outplay their opponents during high-speed rallies.

3.1.1 Spin Techniques

Spin is the defining feature of advanced table tennis. Controlling and reading spin requires
deep understanding and feel.

a.Topspin

Created by brushing the top of the ball. The topspin serve is produced by brushing the ball in
an upward and forward motion, causing it to spin rapidly in the direction of travel. This spin
makes the ball dip down faster than expected, bounce higher and kick forward after hitting
the table. It's generally more aggressive and is often used in long serves to pressure the
opponent or in surprise short serves. It’s particularly useful when you want to initiate an
attacking rally right from the serve or disrupt your opponent’s rhythm by mixing in
occasional topspin serves among mostly backspin or sidespin ones.

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b. Backspin

Created by brushing the bottom of the ball. The backspin serve is designed to make the ball
spin backward as it travels toward the opponent. This is achieved by brushing underneath the
ball with the racket, typically using a downward and slightly forward motion. When the ball
lands on the opponent’s side, the backspin causes it to stay low and possibly even move
backward after bouncing. This makes it hard to attack because the opponent must lift the ball
upward to get it over the net. It's highly effective when kept short on the table, forcing a
passive return and setting up an opportunity for the server to attack next. Variations include
heavy backspin and light backspin, used to deceive the opponent and create mistakes in
judgment. c. Sidespin

Produced by brushing the side of the ball. A sidespin serve causes the ball to curve sideways
in the air and veer off after the bounce. This is done by brushing the ball sideways—either
left to right or right to left—while making contact. Depending on the direction of spin, the
ball may kick to the side after bouncing, making it harder to predict and control. Sidespin is

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rarely used alone; it's often combined with either topspin or backspin. For example, a
sidespin-backspin serve will drop low and curve, while a sidespin-topspin serve may dip and
then bounce away rapidly. These are especially powerful tools to create misreads and force
poor returns. d. Combination Spin

A combination spin serve involves mixing two types of spin—typically sidespin with
backspin or sidespin with topspin—to produce complex ball behavior. For example, a serve
that has both sidespin and backspin will not only curve in the air but also drop and stay low
after bouncing.
This dual effect forces the opponent to adjust their return angle and lifting motion

simultaneously, making accurate returns very difficult. Mastery of combination serves often
requires excellent racket control and wrist flexibility, making it a skill commonly seen at
intermediate and advanced levels.

3.1.2 Serve technique

A game of table tennis begins with a serve, and having a strong, unpredictable serve can be a
considerable advantage. A well-executed serve not only initiates the rally but can also set the
tone for the rest of the point.

a. Pendulum Serve

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The pendulum serve is one of the most frequently used serves in table tennis. The motion
resembles a swinging pendulum, typically executed from the server’s forehand side. The
racket moves in an arc, brushing the ball at varying angles to produce different spins:
backspin, sidespin, or topspin. The pendulum serve is valued for its deceptiveness—the same
body motion can produce several different spins depending on the contact point and angle.
Skilled players use the pendulum serve to target both short and long placements while
keeping the opponent guessing about the spin.

b. Reverse Pendulum Serve

This is a variation of the standard pendulum serve but with the racket motion reversed.
Instead of swinging inward like a pendulum, the server swings outward using the forearm and
wrist to create a reverse sidespin. It’s a high-skill serve because the reverse motion is less
intuitive and requires precise control to generate consistent spin and placement. It’s especially

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effective because many opponents are familiar with standard pendulum serves, so the reversal
of spin direction can lead to misreads and poor returns.

c. Backhand Serve

The backhand serve is executed from the backhand side of the body, using the backhand side
of the racket. It allows for quick, compact motion and is often used to place the ball short on
the opponent’s forehand side. It is easier to disguise spin due to the minimal motion and close
body positioning. Backhand serves can include backspin, sidespin, topspin, or no spin. They
are commonly used in fast-paced rallies and can be performed quickly to disrupt the
opponent’s rhythm or to take control of the pace early.

d. High Toss Serve

In a high toss serve, the ball is thrown much higher than the standard minimum 16 cm,
sometimes over 2 meters high. The higher toss gives the server more time to prepare and

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allows for greater racket acceleration, which can result in heavier spin or faster ball speed.
However, it also demands better timing and coordination. High toss serves are typically used
by advanced players who want to maximize spin or disguise the serve better. The additional
time also helps in last-second decisions on what type of spin to apply.

e. Short Serve

A short serve is one that, if left untouched, will bounce twice on the opponent’s side of the
table. It is commonly combined with backspin or sidespin to prevent the opponent from
attacking aggressively, especially with powerful strokes like the loop or smash. Placement is
crucial—either to the middle or wide angles—forcing the opponent to stretch or make quick
footwork movements. Skilled players often mix different types of short serves to maintain
control in the rally and open up attacking chances on the third ball.

f. Long Serve

The long serve travels deep into the opponent’s half of the table, ideally bouncing near the
end line. It’s often hit faster and can be used to surprise an opponent expecting a short serve.
Variants include flat, topspin, or no-spin serves. A topspin long serve, in particular, can kick

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aggressively off the table, forcing the opponent back or making them block awkwardly.Long
serves are riskier because if read correctly, they can be counter-attacked—but they’re useful
for breaking a pattern and catching opponents off guard.

4.2 STYLES OF PLAY IN TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis encompasses a wide range of playing styles, shaped by physical abilities, grip
choice, tactical preferences, and training philosophies. Understanding different styles is
essential for both self-development and preparing to face diverse opponents. The following
are the most prominent styles observed in competitive play.

1.ATTACKING / OFFENSIVE STYLE: This is the most common style at the professional
level, characterized by aggressive shot-making and constant pressure on the opponent.

1.1Key Traits:

Heavy use of topspin loops.

Quick footwork and fast recovery.

Strategic placement to control the rally.

1.2Variants:

Close-to-table attackers: Use fast strokes and timing to pressure early.

Mid-distance loopers: Employ topspin rallies with consistency and variation.

2. DEFENSIVE STYLE

Defensive players rely on spin, placement, and consistency to wear down opponents and force
mistakes.

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2.1Key Techniques:

Chops: Heavy backspin strokes from a distance.

Lobs and fishing: High, arcing returns used to reset the rally.

Blocks: Passive or active returns to neutralize attacks.

2.2Variants:

Classic defenders: Play deep behind the table with chopping.

Modern defenders: Mix defensive strokes with sudden counter-attacks.

3. ALL-ROUND STYLE

Balanced players combine offense and defense, adapting to the opponent’s strengths and
weaknesses.

3.1Key Features:

Versatility in stroke selection.

Ability to switch rhythm and counter at key moments.

Tactical intelligence and timing.

4. PENHOLD STYLE VARIANTS:

Players who use the penhold grip often develop unique styles due to the grip's natural
strengths and limitations.

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Traditional Penhold Attackers:

Rely heavily on forehand dominance.

Excel in close-range play and serve/receive techniques.

5.REVERSE PENHOLD BACKHAND (RPB) :

Use backhand topspin loops, opening up both wings of attack.

Hybrid style combining shakehand backhand strength with penhold wrist flexibility.

6. SPECIALIZED / UNORTHODOX STYLES:

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Some players develop rare and effective styles based on personal strengths or equipment
choices.

Examples:

Pips-out attackers: Use short or long pimpled rubber to disrupt spin and rhythm.

Anti-spin players: Neutralize offensive shots using specialized rubber.

Left-handed players: Naturally create awkward angles against right-handed opponents.

4.3 FITNESS AND CONDITIONS IN TABLE TENNIS

Fitness and playing conditions play a crucial role in table tennis performance. This includes
not only physical fitness but also mental fitness, equipment, and the environment. Here's a
detailed breakdown.

1.Physical Fitness Requirements

Table tennis is a fast-paced sport demanding high levels of agility, coordination, and
reflexes. The key components of physical fitness for table tennis are:
a. Aerobic Endurance
Helps maintain stamina throughout long matches.
Essential for recovery during multi-round tournaments.
b. Anaerobic Fitness
Supports explosive movements like fast footwork and quick smashes.
Needed for short bursts of high intensity.
c. Speed and Agility
Speed in reacting to serves and counterattacks.
Agility is required for fast lateral and multidirectional movement.

d. Strength and Power

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 Core strength for stability and shot accuracy.
Arm and wrist strength for powerful topspins and smashes.
e. Flexibility
Enhances range of motion and reduces injury risk.
Important for maintaining proper stroke form and balance.
f. Coordination and Balance
Hand-eye coordination is vital for shot precision.
Balance allows for stable movements and recovery between shots.
2. Mental Fitness

a. Focus and Concentration

Essential for anticipating opponents' moves and reacting swiftly.
b. Mental Toughness
Staying calm under pressure, especially in deuce or deciding sets.
c. Tactical Thinking
Adapting strategy during the match.
Understanding opponents’ weaknesses and exploiting them.

3.Playing Conditions

a. Table and Equipment

Table surface and bounce consistency.
Racket grip, rubber type, and sponge thickness influence spin and control.
b. Ball Quality

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 Standard balls (40+ mm, plastic) must be round, durable, and consistent in
bounce. c. Flooring
Proper grip (non-slippery) ensures safe and agile movement.
Specialized sports floors reduce impact and enhance performance.
d. Lighting
Even and glare-free lighting helps players track the ball.
Avoid shadows that can distract or hide the ball.

e. Room Conditions
Temperature and humidity affect ball bounce and spin.
Drafts or wind in open areas can change ball trajectory.

4. Recovery and Injury Prevention

a. Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Prevents muscle strains and ensures readiness.
b. Hydration and Nutrition
Maintains focus and energy levels during play.
c. Rest and Sleep
Essential for mental sharpness and physical recovery.
d. Common Injuries
Tendonitis (elbow, shoulder), knee strains, and lower back pain.

Preventable through conditioning, stretching, and proper technique

CHAPTER 4 RULES AND REGULATIONS
Table tennis is played either in singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2) formats. The game is conducted
on a standardized table divided by a net, with players using paddles to rally a lightweight ball
back and forth. Points are scored when one player fails to make a legal return, and matches
are typically played in best-of-five or best-of-seven game formats.Each game is played to 11
points, and a player must win by at least a 2-point margin. If the score reaches 10–10, play
continues until one player gains a 2-point lead (e.g., 12–10, 14–12).

4.1 SERVING RULES

A legal service must follow these guidelines:

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The ball must rest freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free hand.The ball must
be tossed vertically at least 16 cm (6.3 inches) without spin before being struck.The ball must
first bounce on the server’s side, then clear the net, and bounce on the opponent’s side.

In doubles, the serve must go diagonally from the server’s right half to the receiver’s right
half.

➢ Scoring a Point

A player scores a point when:

The opponent fails to make a correct service or return.

The ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side.

The opponent hits the ball into the net or off the table without touching it.

The opponent obstructs the ball (touches it before it bounces on their side).

The opponent touches the playing surface or moves the table during play.

➢ Rotation and Change of Service

Players alternate serves every 2 points until 10–10 (deuce), after which serves alternate every
point.

In doubles, players must alternate strokes with their partner. This rule requires exceptional
coordination and strategy.

➢ Time Regulations

Warm-up: 2 minutes before a match.

Time-outs: One 1-minute time-out per player or team per match.

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Inter-game breaks: 1 minute between games.

➢ Equipment check
Players must use ITTF-approved rackets and balls.
Racket coverings must be red on one side and black on the other.
Once the match starts, the racket cannot be changed (except if damaged accidentally). ➢
Legal Serve
Ball must be tossed vertically at least 16 cm without spin.
Must be visible to the opponent throughout the toss.
Serve must strike the server's court, then the receiver’s court.
➢ Player Must Not
Touch the table with their non-playing hand.
Obstruct the ball (e.g., block it with the body before it bounces).
Volley the ball (hit before bounce).
Move or touch the table.

CHAPTER 5

OFFICIATING
Officiating in table tennis is a highly structured and essential part of the game, ensuring that
matches are conducted fairly, according to the rules set by the International Table Tennis
Federation (ITTF). The role of officials is not only to enforce rules but also to maintain the
flow of the game, handle disputes, and ensure sportsmanship. 1. Key Match Officials in
Table Tennis

a.Umpire:

The primary on-table official who controls the match.

Responsible for:

Enforcing the Laws of Table Tennis.

Calling lets, faults, and points.

Timing intervals and managing time-outs.

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Making judgment calls on net serves, illegal strokes, or obstructions.

Ensuring proper conduct of players.

b.Assistant Umpire:

Sits on the opposite side of the umpire.

Duties include:

Assisting in edge ball decisions on their side.

Helping with service legality. Replacing

the umpire if required.

c. Referee:

Oversees the entire tournament or competition.

Responsibilities include:

Ensuring matches run according to the rules.

Handling protests or appeals against umpire decisions.

Managing disciplinary actions, draws, and schedules.

Can overrule an umpire in certain situations, but rarely does so during play.

d. Deputy Referee:

Assists the referee in large tournaments.

Often assigned to specific courts or groups of matches.

2. Rules Enforcement and Match Protocol

a. Before the Match Officials

inspect:

Rackets for ITTF compliance.

Uniforms for legality (shirt color should contrast with ball).

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Match balls and table conditions. A coin

toss decides serve or side choice.

b. During the Match

Officials monitor and enforce:

Service rules (open palm, above the table, behind the line, vertical toss).

Scoring: Matches are typically best of 5 or 7 games to 11 points.

Timeouts: One 1-minute timeout per player/pair per match.

Intervals: 1-minute break between games; 2-minute warm-up.

Yellow Card: Warning for misconduct.

Red Card: Point awarded to opponent or expulsion, depending on severity.

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Illegal equipment or behavior can lead to forfeiture or disqualification.

3. Qualification and Certification of Officials

a. National Level

Most countries have their own national umpire training and certification systems.

Levels often include:

Local Umpire

Regional Umpire

National Umpire

b. International Level (ITTF Certification)

ITTF Certified Umpire: Can officiate international matches.

Blue Badge Umpire: Highest international umpiring qualification.

Requires: Written exam, Performance evaluation, Language proficiency (usually English). c.

Referee Training

Separate certification track.

Must pass ITTF referee courses and demonstrate organizational and decision-making skills.

4. Use of Technology in Officiating

Hawk-Eye / Video Replay (limited use in top-tier tournaments) assists in:

Edge ball decisions

Disputed service faults

Not yet widely adopted like in tennis or cricket, but experimental use is growing.

5. Qualities of a Good Table Tennis Official

Deep knowledge of the ITTF Laws and Regulations

Sharp observation and quick decision-making

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Neutrality and professionalism

Communication and leadership skills

Physical and mental endurance (some matches/tournaments are long).

Hand signals of referee

In table tennis, referees (or umpires) use standardized hand signals to communicate decisions
clearly and consistently during a match. These signals are governed by the International Table
Tennis Federation (ITTF). Below are the key hand signals used by umpires in table tennis,
along with explanations: 1. Let

Signal: Raise one hand vertically with palm open.

Meaning: The rally is to be replayed (e.g., serve touches the net but is otherwise legal).

2. Point to Player
Signal: Extend arm toward the side of the table of the player who won the point.
Meaning: Used after each point to indicate which player/team has won it

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3.Awarding a point
The umpire observes the rally and awards a point when:
A player fails to make a correct return.
The serve is illegal.
A player commits an infraction (e.g. touches the table, distracts the opponent, etc.).
The ball hits anything other than the opponent's side of the table.

CHAPTER 6

AWARDS IN TABLE TENNIS

Recognition in table tennis comes from various organizations, celebrating outstanding

players, coaches, and contributors to the sport at national and international levels. 1. Major

Individual Awards

a. ITTF Player of the Year

Awarded annually to the most outstanding male and female players worldwide.

Recognizes excellence in performance, sportsmanship, and contribution to the sport.

Recent recipients include Fan Zhendong, Sun Yingsha, Ma Long, and Ding Ning.

b. ITTF Star Awards

Honors players, coaches, umpires, and officials across multiple categories:

Best Male/Female Player

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Best Coach

Best Umpire

Breakthrough Star (emerging talents)

c. Olympic Medals

Table tennis players compete for gold, silver, and bronze in singles, doubles, and team events.

Men’s Singles

Women’s Singles

Men’s Team

Women’s Team

Mixed Doubles (added in Tokyo 2020)

2.World Table Tennis Championships Medals

Organized biennially by the ITTF.

Medals awarded for singles, doubles, and team events.

The Swaythling Cup (men’s team) and Corbillon Cup (women’s team) are prestigious team
trophies.

3.National Awards

Most countries have their own national awards recognizing table tennis achievements. For
example:

INDIA

ARJUNA AWARD

Purpose: Given for outstanding performance in sports.

Relevance to Table Tennis: Many top Indian table tennis players have received the
Arjuna Award.

Notable Recipients:

Sharath Kamal Achanta (2004)

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 Manika Batra (2018)

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (2020)

MAJOR DHYAN CHAND KHEL RATNA AWARD

Purpose: India’s highest sporting honor for the most outstanding performance in a
year.

Relevance to Table Tennis: Manika Batra became the first Indian table tennis player to
receive this award in 2020.

DRONACHARYA AWARD

Purpose: Awarded to coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international

sports events.

Relevance to Table Tennis:

S. Raman, coach of top players like Sathiyan, received this award in 2021.

DHYAN CHAND AWARD

Purpose: Lifetime achievement award in sports and games.

Relevance: Occasionally awarded to veteran table tennis players for their contribution
post-retirement

KARNATAKA STATE AWARDS

Ekalavya Award:

The Ekalavya Award is a sports award in India, named after the legendary Indian
mythological character, Ekalavya. The award is conferred by the Government of
Karnataka, one of the southern states in India, to recognize outstanding contributions
in sports.

The Ekalavya Award was instituted in 1993 and is awarded annually. The award
recognizes outstanding sports performances by sportspersons who are residents of
Karnataka and who have represented the state in various sports events at the national
or international level.

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 To be eligible for the Ekalavya Award, an individual should have made an outstanding
contribution to sports over a period of at least three years. The contributions could be
in the form of representing the state in national or international sports events and
winning medals or setting records.

The Ekalavya Award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, a memento, and a certificate.

Karnataka Kreeda Ratna:

Another significant award for outstanding sports achievements.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Recognizes the contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact on

the field of sports.

Sports Sponsor Award:

Acknowledges the contributions of institutions and organizations that have supported

sports development.

NSS Award:

Recognizes the efforts of the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers in promoting
sports and physical fitness.

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 Notable player won the award

1. Ma Long

Known as the greatest table tennis player of all time.

Olympic gold medalist (2016 & 2020), multiple-time World Champion.

Nicknamed “The Dragon” for his power and consistency.

2. Fan Zhendong

World No. 1 (as of 2024), known for aggressive forehand loops and quick footwork.

Multiple World Cup and World Championship medals.

3. Sharath Kamal Achanta

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India’s most successful male player.

Multiple-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist.

Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee.

4. Manika Batra

India’s top female table tennis player.

Won gold at 2018 Common wealth Games.

Known for her unique long-pips rubber style and calm demeanor.

5. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

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Known for his aggressive, fast-paced game and strong international presence.

Has defeated several top-ranked global players.

Commonwealth medalist and consistent team performer.

BIBLIOGRAPHY OR REFERENCES

Montague, Trevor. A-Z of Sport. The Bath Press, 2000. — Comprehensive overview of sports
including table tennis history and rules.
Li, Qing. Table Tennis: Steps to Success. Human Kinetics, 2004. — Detailed coaching guide
and player development methods.
Haydon, Graham. The Science of Table Tennis. Routledge, 2017. — An in-depth look at
biomechanics, physics, and technology in the sport.
Official Documents and WebsitesInternational Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Official
Handbook. ITTF, latest edition. https://www.ittf.com
ITTF Development Program Reports, 2010–2024. https://www.ittf.com/development

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Olympic.org. Table Tennis at the Olympic Games. https://olympics.com/en/sports/table-
tennis/ Research Articles and Journals
Chen, Z., & Feng, W. “Biomechanical Analysis of Table Tennis Forehand Loop.” Journal of
Sports Science & Medicine, 2018.
Johnson, M., & Lee, T. “Gender Equality in Table Tennis: Progress and Challenges.”
International Journal of Sports Policy and Politics, 2022.
Wang, L., et al. “The Impact of Technology on Table Tennis Training.” Sports Engineering,
2023.
News and Media
BBC Sport. “Table Tennis: The Rise of Mixed Doubles at the Olympics,” July 2021.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/table-tennis
ESPN. “Table Tennis: Breaking Barriers in Africa,” September
2023. https://www.espn.com/table-tennis/story/_/id/xxxxxxx
Additional Resources
Ping Pong Diplomacy Foundation. https://www.pingpongdiplomacy.org
ITTF YouTube Channel — Training videos and tournament
highlights. https://www.youtube.com/ittf

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