P roposals to add Para table tennis to the programme of events at
Birmingham 2022 are approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation’s
Executive Board.
Could the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games be an opportunity for
silverware on home soil for British Para table tennis player, Will
Bayley? He won gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games and 2014 World Para
Table Tennis Championships.
Para table tennis could be set to shine at the Commonwealth Games
after the sport was recommended for inclusion at Birmingham 2022
alongside Women’s T20 cricket and beach volleyball.
It would represent the eighth para-sport to be showcased at the
Commonwealth Games, helping to further the diversity of the events
programme, while continuing to raise the profile of Para table tennis
around the world.
The sport has enjoyed a dramatic growth in participation numbers in
recent times with over 2000 athletes currently active globally,
representing more than 100 different countries.
Moreover, the sport boasts a proud history as one of the founder
Paralympic Games disciplines, having been included among eight sports
at the first ever event held in Rome in 1960, and its rich tradition
with the Games will be further strengthened at the upcoming Tokyo 2020
and Paris 2024 events.
Now inclusion at the Commonwealth Games would ensure the sport
features among the world’s most prestigious events, further increasing
its exposure and appeal in key growth territories.
“The ITTF is delighted to learn that the CGF Executive Board has
accepted the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee’s recommendation for
the inclusion of Para table tennis. We wish to acknowledge the
invaluable assistance of Table Tennis England in preparing the
submission. This will hopefully provide us with an opportunity to
build upon the successes of the Gold Coast Games, to further the
development of our Para athletes across the Commonwealth and provide
an impetus for activity on the local and national scene in England. We
eagerly await the endorsement of the CGF membership so that planning
can move into high gear.”
Bruce Burton, ITTF Executive Vice President. Since the ITTF took over
the governance of Para Table Tennis in what was a pioneer move in
2007, plenty of work has been done to improve many areas of the game,
such as educating coaches, officials and developing the players
themselves.
From a technical perspective, Para table tennis makes an extremely
strong case for being regarded as the most inclusive sport for people
with disabilities, using the same equipment as able-bodied athletes,
the same rules and the same field of play, helping to provide equal
opportunities and experiences to all.
