Final answer:
The International Table Tennis Federation was formed in 1926, and the first official world championship was also organized in 1926. The ITTF, like many sports organizations, has rules against doping to ensure fair play and athlete health, with rigorous testing procedures in place.
Step-by-step explanation:
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was formed in 1926. Following its establishment, the first official world championship for table tennis, often referred to as ping-pong, was organized in the same year. Table tennis has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a sport with a global following and influence.
Many sports organizations, including the ITTF, have strict rules against the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The importance of fairness and the health risks associated with doping have led to the implementation of rigorous testing procedures to ensure that athletes are clean. Progress in pharmacology often challenges the sports federations, but with the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1999, it has become more manageable to test athletes effectively.
Table tennis champions and their accomplishments have contributed to the popularity of the sport. The sport itself has not been without its own challenges, among them ensuring a fair competition free of doping, which is a common issue in many sports federations and has led to the establishment of strict doping control procedures.