US Table Tennis Struggles Gain Momentum As Jha Reaches New Heights

US table tennis players hope for more recognition and resources after Kanak Jha became the first American man to reach the pre-quarterfinals in the Olympics. Despite challenges, including financial constraints and lack of infrastructure, Jha’s achievement sets a new precedent for the sport in America.

US Olympians are frequently medal favourites in their events, but not in table tennis, a sport where no American has ever won an Olympic medal.

In Paris, US competitors aspire for greater recognition and resources following Kanak Jha's historic achievement of becoming the first American man to reach the pre-quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Jha, 24, who is ranked No. 120 globally and mainly trains in Germany, turned to crowdfunding to support his Olympic journey, raising over USD 29,000 through GoFundMe for training, travel, and other expenses.

"It's financially impossible to be a professional table tennis player in the US," Jha told The Associated Press.

In contrast to Europe and Asia, which have well-established professional leagues, the US only launched its Major League Table Tennis last year, founded by software entrepreneur Flint Lane.

Jha noted the lack of high-level training groups for men in the US, although new ones are slowly emerging.

Asian countries dominate table tennis, with China being the most successful since the sport's Olympic debut in 1988. Before Jha's pre-quarterfinal success, no US male player had made it to the round of 32 since Jimmy Butler in 1992.

US national team coach Jun Gao emphasized the lack of support compared to other countries that have comprehensive teams with physios and doctors. Women's player Lily Zhang echoed similar sentiments, noting that US players often have to work part-time jobs or go overseas to sustain their careers.

USA Table Tennis is taking steps to grow the sport domestically, increasing funding and participation, and establishing two national training centres. Zhang highlighted the need for more exposure, stating that public perception of table tennis as a hobby rather than a professional sport needs to change.

"The key is increased exposure; once people see the sport in action, they realize its demands and potential," Zhang said.

(With inputs from agencies.)