The 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 started at Tyagaraja Stadium in Delhi. CM Rekha Gupta welcomed the players and emphasized on the spirit of sports.
New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday formally inaugurated the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 held at Tyagraj Stadium in the capital. On this occasion, he welcomed the players, officials and various delegations from all the countries participating in the competition and extended his best wishes for the successful event.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride for Delhi that it has got the opportunity to host such a big international sports event. According to him, sports is not only a medium for winning and losing but also a strong platform that connects different countries, cultures and societies.
Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026: Sports will strengthen international relations
In her address, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that such international tournaments teach discipline, dedication and healthy competition to the youth. Along with motivating the players for better performance, such events also give new strength to friendship and cultural exchange between the countries. He said that sports has the power to unite the world and it is in this spirit that Delhi is hosting this event.
Rekha Gupta unveiled the trophy, players took the oath of sportsmanship
During the programme, the Chief Minister unveiled the official trophy of the championship and declared the tournament open. After this all the players took oath to follow fair play, discipline and sportsmanship. As part of the ceremony, the Chief Minister officially started the competition by playing the first symbolic stroke with the table tennis racket. On this occasion, Delhi’s Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood, Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation President Vivek Kohli, Table Tennis Federation of India President Meghna Ahlawat, representatives of both the organizations, international guests and players were present.
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Glimpse of Indian culture seen in Delhi, ‘Parade of Nations’ becomes center of attraction
The inauguration ceremony started with lighting of the lamp and Vande Mataram. Players and guests from all countries including India were welcomed as per Indian tradition. After this, in the ‘Parade of Nations’ organized, players from all the countries entered the field with their national flags. School students and artists presented colorful cultural programs showcasing the culture, diversity and unity of India. Special presentations of ‘Colour of India’, ‘Shiv Tandav’ and Sitar-Symphony gave a glimpse of Indian cultural heritage to the foreign players and guests.
India is moving ahead in sports under the leadership of PM Modi: CM Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is continuously achieving new achievements in the field of sports. The development of world-class sports infrastructure in the country, modern facilities for athletes and successful hosting of major international sporting events are testament to India’s growing global identity. He said that the Delhi government is also working continuously with the same thinking to develop a strong sports culture in the capital and provide better opportunities to young players.
Delhi is fully prepared to host world class sports events
The Chief Minister said that due to modern sports facilities, strong infrastructure and successful organizing capacity, Delhi is fully prepared to host world class competitions today. He appealed to all the players to represent their respective countries with sportsmanship and mutual respect. He also urged the people of Delhi to reach the stadium in large numbers and encourage the players.
Sports and education complement each other: Ashish Sood
Delhi’s Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said that this championship is not limited to only world-class competitions, but is also an important opportunity to strengthen friendship, cooperation and cultural ties between Commonwealth countries. He said that it is a matter of pride for Delhi to host this historic event. The players, coaches and officials coming here will take with them not only the memories of the competition but also the culture, hospitality and warmth of the people of Delhi.
Ashish Sood said that education and sports complement each other. While education gives students knowledge and thinking ability, sports teach important values of life like teamwork, leadership, discipline, patience and respect. He said that the Delhi government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is giving equal priority to both education and sports sectors. The government is not limited to just building stadiums, but is also continuously working on identifying talent, better training the players and giving them more opportunities to move forward.
Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship will run from 27th July to 2nd August
The 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 is being organized from July 27 to August 2 at Tyagraj Stadium, Delhi. Players from 25 Commonwealth member countries including India, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, England, Falkland Islands, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Wales, Zambia and Zimbabwe are participating in this competition.
Entry to the competition is completely free for spectators. The objective of the event is to further strengthen sporting excellence as well as cooperation, friendship and sportsmanship among Commonwealth countries.