Table tennis has become the latest sport to introduce a ban on transgender women competing against biological females, following a landmark legal judgment. The national governing body, Table Tennis England, is updating its policy to take effect from the start of the 2026/27 season in August.
Policy Shift Follows Legal Clarification
The decisive move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling which clarified that the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. In response, Table Tennis England's new policy will state that transgender women are only 'eligible to play in the category of their biological sex'.
The policy is currently in the final stages of consultation. It is important to note that it will not apply to amateur or casual matches that fall outside the governing body's regulated competitions.
Campaigners Welcome Move Amid Criticism of Delay
The decision has been welcomed by women's rights campaigners. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at the group Sex Matters, told the Telegraph it was 'great to see Table Tennis England restoring common sense and fairness for women'. She emphasised that 'women and girls who have signed up for women's matches... should not find themselves facing a male opponent.'
Former Olympic swimmer and campaigner Sharron Davies also backed the change but criticised the timeline for implementation. On social media platform X, she questioned why women 'have to wait till next August for table tennis (or any other sport breaking the law) to abide by the law?!'
Wider Sporting Trend and Government Stance
Table tennis joins a growing list of sports, including pool, tennis, cricket, and netball, which have altered their policies on transgender inclusion this year. The English FA also barred transgender women from the women's game after 'acting on legal advice'.
Senior minister Pat McFadden confirmed the government intends to implement the Supreme Court's judgment, stating 'the bottom line is the Supreme Court judgment will be implemented, that will mean change.' However, he declined to give a specific date for publishing official guidance, stressing the need to 'get it right' to avoid further legal issues for organisations.
The Case of Luca Kumahara
The most high-profile transgender table tennis player is Brazil's Luca Kumahara. Kumahara, who competed in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympic Games as a female, has since transitioned and now competes in the men's game.
In a 2022 interview with BBC Sport, Kumahara acknowledged the complexity of the situation ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, stating it was 'not the best or most comfortable situation' but that he had goals to reach with the women's team. He now competes against men.
