Tennis cups and medals for table tennis competitions. What to know about them and from where to buy?
Advice for choosing cups and medals for table tennis events: which places to reward, materials and designs, a practical checklist, ordering tips and where to buy (TT-Store).
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Short answer:
Choose awards according to the event level, budget and players' expectations — a common setup is a cup for first place and medals for places 1–4; popular materials are metal, crystal/glass, LED trophies and thematic cups with rackets. Specialist suppliers such as TT-Store offer dedicated options and customization.
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Why cups and medals matter
If you are planning a table tennis tournament, small club event or a larger competition, awards give the event more gravitas and recognition. For many players table tennis is an individual sport and a trophy or medal is a prized memento and motivation for future performance.
From an organizer’s perspective, awarding prizes legitimizes the event, creates photo opportunities and enhances the image of the competition.
Which places should be awarded — practice and etiquette
The common practice in table tennis is to present a cup for first place and medals for first through fourth places. There is often a match to determine third place, but some formats award two bronze medals (one to each semi-finalist). If the event offers exact placings up to 8th, inviting players placed 5th–8th to the podium can be a respectful gesture even if they do not receive material awards.
Players tend to appreciate details, so designs that include table tennis motifs (paddles, balls, table) are usually well received.
Popular materials and award ideas
1) Crystal / glass
Crystal plaques or blocks with engraved or 3D motifs (players, ball, table) are refined and suitable for a first-place prize. They often sit on a granite or wooden base where the tournament name and year can be added. Such pieces feel like lasting keepsakes.
2) LED trophies
A modern, eye-catching option are LED trophies where an engraved panel or miniature is lit from below. These trophies can glow in different colors and photograph well on the podium. A typical approach is to give an LED trophy for first place and medals to the other prize-winners.
3) Medals
The classic and most budget-friendly solution: gold, silver and bronze medals (or two bronzes). Medals can be customized with ribbons in tournament colors and with engraved or stamped table tennis motifs and inscriptions indicating category and year.
4) Cups with paddles and sports motifs
Traditional metal or plastic cups with decorative paddles, balls or other table tennis elements are a reliable choice. You can choose a set of three different-sized cups for the top three or one main cup for the champion plus medals for runner-up and third/fourth.
Quick comparison checklist (table)
| Award type | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal / glass | Elegant, long-lasting | High-level or commemorative events |
| LED trophy | Visually striking, modern | Youth, promotional or broadcasted events |
| Medals | Cost-effective, classic | All levels, large entry tournaments |
| Cup with paddle motif | Thematic, traditional | Club and regional competitions |
Practical tips when ordering
- Plan quantities and budget in advance (include extras for ties or replacements).
- Allow enough production time for personalization and engraving — custom pieces can take weeks.
- Consider pairing one prominent trophy with a set of medals to balance impression and cost.
- Check ribbon quality, attachment hardware and how the awards will be presented on the podium.
Where to buy
Specialized suppliers of sports awards and table tennis shops usually offer the widest selection of thematic cups and medals. TT-Store (https://tt-store.eu) lists various options suitable for table tennis tournaments. Compare items, inquire about customization and confirm lead times before placing an order.
Conclusion
The right choice of cups and medals depends on the event’s scale, the number of participants and the budget. Whether you opt for an elegant crystal award, a modern LED trophy, classic medals or thematic cups with paddles, well-chosen prizes will enhance the tournament’s reputation and leave lasting memories for the players.
References
- International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) — https://www.ittf.com
- Tips on trophies and awards from event organizers: https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/trophies-and-awards-ideas/
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