TABLE TENNIS
IN MEDELLÍN
Your guide to the Poblado and Laureles table tennis clubs
4th Dec 2024 | 5-min read
Action from an intra-club tournament at Poblado Table Tennis Club
Icouldn't tell you how developed Medellín’s table tennis scene is or how competitive it is for experienced players, but the city does boast an elite-level table tennis arena where tournaments are held. As for me, I’m just someone who is content playing non-competitive table tennis at a club where I can have a hit around with different players and play some casual matches.
Table tennis clubs for players like myself exist in Medellín. Although I only ever played at one club in Poblado, I know of two other places in Laureles where you can play table tennis. Google doesn’t seem to pull up much more than what I’m listing below, but if you’re a serious player, you should be able to find competitive table tennis clubs if you search more thoroughly.
Poblado
Tennis de Mesa Poblado
Where?
Los Balsos No. 1 (approx 1 mile/1.6 km south of El Tesoro Parque Comercial)
When?
Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-5pm, 5-6:30pm and 6:30-8pm
How much?
First class is free
I appreciated the more hands-off format of these sessions. You turn up and simply hit with the other players there. You have the opportunity to play with the coach/facilitator, Alejandro, and if you want, you can receive some training from him. Towards the end of the session, Alejandro arranges games between everyone.
I didn’t go to enough sessions to form a true reflection of the club, and there were only ever four other (adult) players when I attended, plus Alejandro. I’m sure it all depends on the time and day you go. Check with Alejandro to see when it’s best to go.
The best thing about this table tennis club was being invited to compete in an intra-club tournament. Table tennis is not something I’ve ever played competitively (aside from intense battles in my uni house - yes, we randomly had a table in our student house!), so it was kind of exciting to take part in an actual tournament with umpires. I was entered into the intermediate-level tournament (I’m not sure how many levels there were). After advancing from my group and winning my Last 16 match, I can’t complain about a quarter-final exit given the skill levels of some of the other players. These tournaments happen every five weeks and are held in different locations, so you’ll be able to play in them too.
Laureles
Club de Tennis de Mesa Milenium
www.clubdetenisdemesamilenium.com
Where?
Calle 43 #72-46 (Between Primer Parque de Laureles and Metro Estación)
When?
Monday 4-6pm and 6-8pm
Tuesday 4-6pm
Wednesday 4-6pm and 6-8pm
Thursday 4-6pm
Friday 4-6pm and 6-8pm
Saturday 9-11am and 11am-1pm
How much?
Once a week (four sessions a month) = 80,000 COP
Twice a week (eight sessions a month) = 90,000 COP
Three times a week (12 sessions a month) = 110,000 COP
I never played here, but Club de Tenis de Mesa Milenium will be a suitable location for most expats and digital nomads living in Laureles. It appears to be a well-established table tennis club with a large number of players. I’d say Milenium is for more serious table tennis players who want to improve their game. After all, you’ve got to commit to playing table tennis here on a regular basis; you can’t pay for individual sessions.
For most of the two-hour session, a coach will lead individual and group exercises that may involve robots, rebound boards and ball collection nets. Groups are not assigned based on skill level or age. For the rest of the session, you are free to play matches against the other people in your group.
Your monthly fees also include participation in intra-club tournaments.
For those who would rather do their own thing, two people can rent a table for 15,000 COP/hour. The club can provide bats and balls. Tables are only available to rent from Monday to Friday, 4-6pm.
Coliseo Tenis de Mesa Rodrigo Pérez Castro
Where?
Located within Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot
How much?
Free to rent a table
The Coliseo Rodrigo Pérez Castro is a dedicated table tennis facility located within Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot. It can accommodate 20 tables and features specialist vinyl flooring and lighting. The coliseo (arena) hosts national table tennis tournaments, making this the best place to play table tennis in Medellín.
Unlike other clubs, it is a public facility run by INDER Medellín (a Spanish acronym for the Institute of Sports and Recreation). It is free to play. You just need to book in advance on the Inder website or in person at the arena. Coaches are available, but you will have to pay.
Finally, a shoutout to Ping Pong Drinks on Avenida 33! This bar has three table tennis tables, and it’s a fun place to hang out and play table tennis with your friends who perhaps don’t usually play. I have to say, it’s disappointing that you have to pay - 10,000 COP, I believe - to use a table. I don’t agree with that, especially because you’re already putting money behind the bar in the form of drinks.
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