Para table tennis is an adaptive sport that allows athletes with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments to compete in table tennis events. It has been a part of the Paralympic Games since the 1960 Rome Paralympics. The sport requires precision, agility, and strategic thinking as athletes engage in fast-paced matches against their opponents.
Para Table Tennis
Overview
Events & Disciplines
The Paralympic Games feature individual and team table tennis events for both men and women. Competitions include singles, doubles, and team events, with athletes competing in various classification categories to ensure fair play.
Rules & Equipment
Table : The table is 2.74 metres long, 1.525 metres wide and 76 centimetres high, while its surface must not be less than 20 centimetres thick. The competition surface is usually made from wood or synthetic materials.
Wheelchair friendly tables should have table legs at least 40 cm from the end line of the table for wheelchair players.
Net : The net is 15.25 centimetres high and extends along the width of the centre of the table, dividing it into two equal parts. The net is usually made of nylon and is coloured blue.
Ball : The ball has a 40mm diameter and weighs about 2.7 grams. It is made of celluloid or of similar plastic material. It is coloured white or mat orange.
Bats : Since the 1950s, bats have been covered by a layer of sponge-like material, which sits between a racquet’s rubber surface and the wood, creating a new type of rubber layer. Using this material, new techniques of hitting and spinning the ball were discovered and developed, making the game more dynamic.
Classification
Para Table Tennis welcomes athletes with diverse impairments and employs a comprehensive classification system comprising 11 distinct categories. These classifications accommodate players with varying levels of impairment, ensuring fair competition and inclusivity.
• Classes 1-5: Tailored for athletes competing from wheelchairs, reflecting different degrees of impairment.
• Classes 6-10: Designed for players who compete while standing, with classifications based on the extent of impairment.
• Class 11: Reserved for standing athletes with a learning disability, promoting equal opportunities for participation.
Each athlete undergoes thorough assessments to determine their functional abilities, including factors such as reach, muscle strength, mobility limitations, balance, and grip proficiency. Based on these assessments, athletes are assigned a classification number ranging from 1 to 10. Class 1 signifies the highest level of impairment among wheelchair competitors, while class 6 represents standing players with significant impairments.
This classification system ensures that Para Table Tennis accommodates a diverse range of impairments, fostering an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can excel.