by Dr Miran Kondric, Chair ITTF Sports Science Committee and Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Very much they fulfil the status of role models for players of all ages and in the United States it would appear that number is growing.
In a publication issued by Physical Activity Council and Sports Marketing Surveys, the top activities and sports in terms of participation for 2015 were listed from no.1 to no.111 were released.
Table tennis is listed in 25th place, most creditable, having recorded 16,564,805 participants in a list headed by “Walking for Fitness” which notched 109,828,624 players.
The list contains such activities as “Treadmill Walking”, alongside such activities as “Hiking”.
However, if we consider what could be described as Olympic sports; only running, swimming, golf, basketball and tennis are listed higher than table tennis.
Pleasing facts but arguably the most satisfying is that when numbers compared with 2014, table tennis is one of the highest growth sport.
Notably in 2014 the number of participants stood at 16,385,218; a growth of 179,587.
Also there is notable progress in the eight year period between 2007 and 2015; there has been a 610,216 growth in numbers. In 2007 the number of participants stood at 15,954,589.
Progress in numbers and with the advent of the Seamaster 2016 Women’s World Cup, progress at the highest level; a healthy situation in the United States of America.
Download: Top Activities Or Sports In America In 2015
Download: Top Growth Sports or Activities 2015 vs. 2014
Download: Top Growth Sports or Activities In The Last Eight Years
Download: Participation Report for 2016