Introduction & History

Para table tennis is the third largest Paralympic sport in terms of athlete numbers and is practiced in more than 100 countries. The sport is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation through the International Para Table Tennis Committee (ITTF-PTT).

Athletes from all physical and intellectual impairment groups can play table tennis, however, only eligible standing, sitting and intellectual impairment classes can compete at the Paralympic Games.

Men and women can participate in individual events including singles, mens and womens doubles and mixed doubles.

The rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) also apply to the Paralympic table tennis competitions with slight modifications regarding the service rules for athletes competing in a wheelchair.

Para table tennis was first included in the Paralympic Games in Rome 1960 and has been included in every Paralympic Games since.

Since 1960 Australia has won 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 3 Bronze medals at the Paralympic Games. The latest was 2 Gold and 4 Silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Paralympics Australia have developed a video resource that explains Para Table Tennis.