Ping pong and table tennis are the same sport, but the terms are often used interchangeably. The sport is played on a table with a net dividing it in half, and the objective is to hit a lightweight ball back and forth over the net using small paddles.
The sport originated in the late 19th century as a parlor game in England, and it quickly gained popularity as a leisure activity. In 1926, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was established, which standardized the rules and regulations of the sport. The ITTF is the governing body that oversees international competitions and events for the sport.
The main difference between the two names is that “ping pong” is a trademarked name owned by the company Parker Brothers, and it is often used to refer to the sport played as a leisure activity. “Table tennis” is the more commonly used term in competitive circles, as it is the official name recognized by the ITTF.
There are some slight variations in the rules and equipment between the two, but for the most part, the game is the same. The ball size and weight, net height, and paddle size are all regulated by the ITTF. Competitive table tennis is played on a larger table than recreational ping pong, and the ball used is also slightly different.
In summary, Ping Pong and Table Tennis are the same sport, with only small variations in rules and equipment. Ping pong is a trademarked name owned by Parker Brothers and is often used to refer to the sport played as a leisure activity. Table tennis is the official name recognized by the ITTF and is commonly used in competitive circles.