International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (Table Tennis)

International Day of Sport for development and peace was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2013 with the aim of awareness raising about the impact of sport on transmitting important messages on the development of society.

Table tennis appeared in England at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning it was just the fun of the Victorian class who had fun imitating playing tennis at home. Table tennis association (TTA) was established in 1921, and the International table tennis federation (ITTF) in 1926. A year later, the first official table tennis championship was held in London. It becomes Olympic sport in 1988.

Although it is often considered to be an entertaining sport for relaxation, table tennis is very complex sport that involves the activity of the entire body. It is very fast sport requiring agility and concertation, i.e. a good coordination of mind and moves. It requires concentration and stimulates mental abilities that are reflected in coordination of the arms and eyes. It develops reflexes of fine motoric and the muscles gain strength without the load of knuckle. Table tennis is played by all, regardless of age, so it is considered to be a sport which promotes communication and friendship.