Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular indoor sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It may come as a surprise to many, but table tennis has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century.   The roots of table tennis can be traced back to Victorian England, where lawn tennis was a popular outdoor sport. As winter approached, players looked for a way to continue playing the game indoors. They adapted their game to play on a table, using books as a net and cigar boxes as bats. At this point, the game was seen as a mere distraction for the wealthy classes.   In 1890, Englishman David Foster, attracted by its wide appeal, introduced the first game of tennis on a table. In 1897, the first national championships were organised in Hungary. Following a trip to the United States, in 1901 James Gibb brought back the first celluloid ball, which was a lot lighter than the rubber balls. A year later, in 1902, E.C. Gould, a British enthusiast of the game, introduced the first bats covered in rubber and rubberized pimples. It was game on for the history of table tennis!   The name ping pong and table tennis were synonymous until 1901 when a trademark made it brand specific for J. Jaques & Son Ltd (who later sold it to Parker Brothers). Thus, several companies, manufacturers, and associations were forced to change their names from "ping pong" to "table tennis."   The first table tennis governing body, called the Table Tennis Association, was founded in 1921, while the ITTF was founded in 1926. The game quickly caught on, and as early as 1901, tournaments were being conducted with over 300 participants. In 1922, an All England Club was formed, which boasted such luminaries as Jack Hobbs the cricketer and other famous names of the time from the world of sport. The Daily Mirror organized and sponsored a nationwide tournament in which there were 40,000 competitors.   Table tennis continued to evolve and change throughout the 20th century. In the 1950s, the game was turned upside down by the invention of the sponge or sandwich rubber, which changed the nature of the game by establishing the fast attacking speed and spin style of the modern game.   Today, the sport of table tennis is thriving and continues to grow each year. It is played at all levels, from amateur to professional, and has become a recognized Olympic sport since 1988. Chinese top players are regarded as national heroes with pop star statuses.   In conclusion, the history of table tennis is a testament to the enduring appeal of this exciting sport. From its humble beginnings as a parlor game to its current status as a worldwide phenomenon, table tennis has come a long way. The future looks bright for this beloved sport, and it will continue to evolve and captivate players and fans alike for generations to come.