Standing left to right:  Errol Resek – Sol Schiff – Dr. Andreas Gal – Gyula Apatini – Mel Eisner | Front Row  Zoltan Gode – Jules Apatini    These were the original members of the NY HUNGARIA TABLE TENNIS TEAM which as organized by Gyula Apatini and friend Dr. Andreas Gal.

 

Gyula Apatini’s Ping Pong – Table Tennis Legacy

Before the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Gyula Apatini thrived as a professional Ping Pong/Table Tennis player in Hungary. At that time, Hungary was a powerhouse in the sport, producing legends such as Victor Barna, Ferenc Sidó, Laszlo Bellak, and later stars like István Jónyer, Tibor Klampár, and Gábor Gergely. Gyula Apatini himself achieved a ranking of No. 11 in Hungary, solidifying his place among the nation’s elite players.

In 1959, Gyula and his immediate family emigrated to the United States, where he continued to demonstrate his exceptional skills. Competing against iconic opponents such as Sol Schiff, Marty Reisman, Dick Miles, and others, Apatini earned respect in the American table tennis community.

Apatini was driven by a lifelong dream: to elevate the popularity of table tennis in the United States to match the enthusiasm he had experienced in Hungary and other countries. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he teamed up with his best friend, Dr. Andreas Gal, to form the NY Hungaria Table Tennis Team. The team enjoyed significant success, dominating the prestigious NY Area Table Tennis League, founded by Mel Eisner, on numerous occasions. Esteemed players like Sol Schiff, Errol Resek, Eric Boggan, Scott Boggan, Alireza Oveissi, and many other top talents in the U.S. proudly represented the NY Hungaria Team. This rich history is preserved through a collection of articles, photographs, and videos in the team’s archives.

In 2011, Jules Apatini, Gyula’s son, authored a blog article on Ping Pong Fitness, which later inspired the development of Aerobic Ping Pong.

One of Gyula Apatini’s most notable accomplishments was organizing a landmark event at the World Trade Center, drawing over 1,500 standing spectators. Aptly named the Battle of the Sexes, the event was inspired by the famed tennis extravaganza of the same name and showcased Gyula’s commitment to creating unforgettable moments in the world of table tennis.

Displayed below are two photos capturing this historic Ping Pong – Table Tennis event.