A CHEGADA DO TÊNIS DE MESA AO BRASIL

ORIGEM E SIGNIFICADOS DO PING-PONG ENQUANTO PRÁTICA CIVILIZADA (1902-1909)

Abstract

THE ARRIVAL OF TABLE TENNIS IN BRAZIL: ORIGIN AND MEANINGS OF PING-PONG AS A CIVILIZED PRACTICE (1902-1909)

Abstract: This work aimed to explore the beginnings of table tennis in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, in order, from their example, to better understand the role played by modern sports in Brazilian society during the early 20th century. As a method, a historical cut from 1902 to 1909 was used, with analyzes that started from a quantitative and exploratory approach, and procedures of documentary and bibliographic research in newspapers of the time. It was found that table tennis, imported from England, arrived in Brazil as a new fashion game, a symbol of modernity and social distinction, therefore compatible with the civilizing aspirations of the ruling elites. The findings of this work not only contribute to the historiography of table tennis in Brazil, but also add to the reflections on leisure activities in the early 20th century.

Keywords: Table tennis. Modernity. Modern sport. History.