Para-table tennis

Events & Disciplines

• Individual event
• Team event

Classification

Para-table tennis is open to athletes with a physical or intellectual impairment. Athletes are required to submit medical reports and meet the minimum impairment criteria in order to compete. Eligibility is determined by trained Classifiers.

For more information on Eligible Impairments and Classification please see the Para-table tennis Information Sheet (PDF – 150KB) – updated November 2021.

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.

Medal History

Contacts

We encourage those wishing to explore Para-table tennis to contact their state federation in the first instance. The national federation link below provides information on the national high performance program leading to competing internationally and at the Paralympic Games.