Table Tennis England has announced that transgender women will no longer be permitted to participate in women’s competitions from the start of the 2026/27 season in August.
The governing body is revising its eligibility rules to require players to compete in categories matching their biological sex.
This policy shift follows the recent Supreme Court judgment clarifying that references to “woman” and “sex” within the Equality Act pertain exclusively to biological women and biological sex.
The updated regulations remain in the final consultation stages and will apply to competitions overseen by the national governing body, though amateur and casual matches outside its jurisdiction will not be affected.
The decision has been praised by Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters.
She described it as “great to see Table Tennis England restoring common sense and fairness for women”.
Ms McAnena told the Telegraph: “Women and girls who have signed up for women’s matches, even if amateur or casual, should not find themselves facing a male opponent.”
Olympic silver medallist Sharron Davies expressed support for the change but voiced frustration at the lengthy implementation period.
Table Tennis England has announced that transgender women will no longer be permitted to participate in women’s competitions from the start of the 2026/27 season in August
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GETTY
Writing on X, she questioned: “So it’s unlawful to have men in women’s competition. It was always unlawful and still women have to wait till next August for table tennis (or any other sport breaking the law) to abide by the law?!”
Table tennis joins a growing list of sports that have revised their transgender participation policies this year.
Pool, tennis, cricket and netball have all recently amended their rules regarding eligibility in women’s competitions.
The English Football Association has similarly prohibited transgender women from competing in the women’s game, citing legal advice as the basis for its decision.
The most prominent transgender table tennis player is Luca Kumahara
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PA
The most prominent transgender table tennis player is Luca Kumahara, a Brazilian who represented his country at three Olympic Games as a female competitor before transitioning.
Kumahara now plays in the men’s category, having acknowledged in 2022 that continuing in women’s events was not ideal.
Senior minister Pat McFadden addressed the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling earlier today, confirming that the judgment “will be implemented” whilst declining to commit to a specific timeline.
Speaking on Sky News, he rejected suggestions the Government was delaying guidance.
Senior minister Pat McFadden addressed the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling earlier today
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PA
He stated: “This is about getting it right.”
He emphasised that the guidance must apply across numerous sectors and organisations, warning that poorly drafted rules could leave bodies facing “further legal jeopardy”.
The Government has held draft guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission since September.
Mr McFadden added: “We’ll get it right, rather than give an arbitrary date.”