Table Tennis, an extremely fast indoor game, is similar in principle to lawn tennis. It was apparently derived from royal indoor tennis in 1880. It was known under various names like 'Gossima', 'Ping Pong', etc. In 1926, the name of 'Table Tennis' was adopted by the International Table Tennis Federation. It is a popular tournament sport in Asia and Europe and holds limited interest in the UNited States. The International Table Tennis Federation was founded in Germany in January 1926. International competition was dominated by European players during the 1930s. After their resumption after World War II, man's singles championship moved to Asia, led by Japan in 1952 with China coming on to win its first man's singles in 1959.

The other events- men's doubles, women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles, and the men's team (Swaything Cup) and women's team (Corbillon Cup) followed much the same pattern. The World Championships have been held in India twice, first time in 1952 in Bombay and then in Calcuta in 1975. The Asian Table Tennis Union was formed in 1952. But it received recognition and acceptance by all the countries of the world during the 33rd World Championship held at Calcutta in 1975. The biennial Asian Union Championships have been held in Biejing, Yokohama, Pyongyang and Kuala Lumpur. The 5th Championships are being held in Calcutta from 10-18 May 1980. The Bengal Table Tennis Association is holding the Championships under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India. The venue of the Championships is the Netaji Stadium at Calcutta. It is the largest covered stadium in the country with world class facilities. It is fully air-conditioned and has a seating capacity for about 12,000 spectators.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is happy to commemorate te occasion with a special stamp. Special Cancellation and Special Cover: The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department will provide a special cancellation at the Netaji Stadium Post Office for the duration of the Championships (except on Sundays and Postal Holidays). A special cover (Price: 50 p) will also be on sale at the post office during the period. The mail orders for the special cancellation and/ or special covers may be placed with the Philatelic Bureau, Calcutta- 700 001.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India