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We can’t really talk about women in table tennis without raising some questions first. How can anyone write about this topic and not ask why there are so few women actually playing it.

Of course, there are a few shiny examples, like our one and only, BiBa, but those fantastic women are more of an exception than a rule.

At the risk of having this blog dip its toes into some touchy subjects, we must notice that women in sports are greatly outnumbered by men. And we’re definitely not the first ones to raise that issue, but it is our responsibility as a brand looking to inspire more people to be physically active. Before doing so, one must beg the question:

Why don’t women play table tennis?

Or sports in general.

While the gender gap seems to be slowly closing, there are still some not-so-subtle differences in numbers.

One of the biggest reasons why there is such a big gender gap is the fact that many girls drop out of sports in their adolescent years.

That can be caused by factors such as social stigma, lack of access, safety, and lack of positive role models.

By addressing these factors, we believe that more girls will remain involved in sport and physical activity.

Sport builds strong, confident young women.

“Women and girls who participate in sports are less likely to take drugs, engage in abusive relationships, or have unwanted pregnancies. And they are more likely to graduate from high school, receive post-graduate degrees, and earn more money.” according to an Ernst and Young study.

There are numerous examples that support the theory, the study even showed that more than a half of C-suite women that were surveyed played sports at a more advanced level than just the general population of women in business that had sport in their background.

So, we can’t argue that there is definitely an immediate, strong correlation between sports and success in business.

Even though things have become a lot better for a female athlete, it is our job as a society to realize the benefits of female inclusion and preach it.

Why Table Tennis?

The subject of women in table tennis is one that is definitely worth exploring.

A standard table tennis club in the US is often 90% male. What makes this really odd is a unique feature that separates table tennis from other sports.

Everyone can play Table Tennis

Everyone can play table tennis equally well for one simple reason: table tennis is a game of skill, where age and sex are irrelevant. (Not that it softens the blow when you lose against a 10-year-old girl.)

Killerspin is a great supporter of social inclusion, and young girls are an important part of our society. We believe that they may very well be the future of table tennis in the United States.

Our message to all the young girls trying to compete and find their spot in this competitive arena is that you are pioneers and leaders. It is up to you to set trends and standards. One day, it will be up to you to prove the importance of physical and mental strength.

You go girl!!