Table Tennis is a sport in which players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets. It's also known as Ping-Pong, after the trademarked brand name for the game. The objective of the game is to make the ball land on your opponent’s side of the table without allowing them to return it. Points are scored when one fails to return the ball properly or hits it out of bounds.
The sport originated in Victorian England, where it was played with wine glasses and cigar boxes as early as 1874. The game gained popularity among the upper classes before spreading around the world. Today, table tennis is a widely-played recreational activity and an Olympic sport.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) governs the rules of the game, which include specifications for the size, weight, and bounce of the ball, as well as dimensions and materials used in constructing tables. The ITTF also regulates equipment such as rackets, which must be made primarily of natural wood and meet certain standards regarding size, weight, and surface properties.
Overall, table tennis is a fast-paced, strategic sport that requires quick reflexes, precision, and tactical thinking. It's enjoyed by millions around the world for its simplicity, accessibility, and competitive nature.