Table Tennis – Summer Games 2024

Table tennis first appeared at the Seoul Summer Games in 1988, with men’s and women’s singles and doubles. In 2008, the doubles competition was replaced with the team competition, and the program was expanded for the 2020 Tokyo Games to include mixed doubles. Now, the number of events has reached a total of five, allowing the same number of women and men to take part in the Summer Games table tennis competitions.

Schedule

Records

Deng Yaping's Golden Streak:

Chinese table tennis player Deng Yaping is one of the most successful athletes in the sport. She won four gold medals in consecutive Games (1988, 1992, 1996), dominating both the singles and doubles events.

China's Table Tennis Dominance:

China has been the dominant force in Olympic table tennis. Chinese players have consistently swept the gold medals in various events, showcasing their excellence in both men's and women's competitions.

Zhang Jike's Grand Slam:

Zhang Jike achieved a rare feat known as the "Grand Slam" by winning gold in singles at the the Summer Games (2012) consecutively.

General Table Tennis Records:

Fastest Rally:

The record for the fastest rally in table tennis is impressive. Players Ma Long and Xu Xin set a world record for the fastest rally in 2013, achieving 36 hits in just 3 seconds during an exhibition match.

Longest Match:

The longest table tennis match on record lasted for 8 hours and 33 minutes. It took place in 1978 between two players, Jose Daniel and Horace Rawlins, at a community center in New York.

Unique Facts:

Ping Pong Diplomacy:

Table tennis played a significant role in fostering diplomatic relations between the United States and China during the early 1970s. The exchange of table tennis players between the two countries is often referred to as "Ping Pong Diplomacy."

Evolution of Equipment:

The sport has seen significant changes in equipment, with innovations in racket design and the introduction of new materials influencing playing styles. The transition from traditional wooden rackets to those incorporating high-tech materials has impacted the game.

Please note that for the most current information on table tennis records in the Summer Summer Games, including any developments after my last update in January 2022, it's recommended to refer to official records and results databases or reliable sports news sources.

Did you know that..

1. China's Domination: China has been the powerhouse in Summer Games table tennis, winning the majority of gold medals in both men's and women's events.

2. Deng Yaping's Streak: Deng Yaping, a Chinese player, achieved a remarkable feat by winning four consecutive gold medals in table tennis from 1988 to 1996.

3. Zhang Jike's Grand Slam: Zhang Jike completed a rare "Grand Slam" by winning gold in singles at the World Championships (2011), the World Cup (2011), and the Summer Games (2012) consecutively.

4. Ping Pong Diplomacy: Table tennis played a role in improving diplomatic relations between the United States and China during the early 1970s, a period known as "Ping Pong Diplomacy."

5. Fastest Rally Record: Ma Long and Xu Xin set a world record for the fastest table tennis rally, achieving 36 hits in just 3 seconds during an exhibition match in 2013.

6. Longest Match: The longest recorded table tennis match lasted for 8 hours and 33 minutes, taking place in 1978 between Jose Daniel and Horace Rawlins.