Delhi opens doors to 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 at the Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi, marking the formal commencement of the tournament featuring players from across the Commonwealth.

Delhi's Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood, members of the Organising Committee, officials and athletes from participating nations attended the opening ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Sood described sport as a unifying force that transcends language, culture and national boundaries. He said table tennis, one of the fastest-paced sports, demands discipline, concentration, preparation and mental resilience, and that the values of respect, courage and fair play are central to competition.

Highlighting the role of sports in education, the minister said classrooms develop intellectual abilities while sports foster teamwork, leadership, perseverance and resilience. He said the Delhi Government views education and sports as complementary pillars for the holistic development of students.

Sood welcomed the participation of school students at the event, noting that thousands of students from Delhi schools had been invited to witness the championship. He said watching elite athletes compete could inspire the next generation of sportspersons.

Reiterating the Delhi Government's commitment to sports development, the minister said efforts were being made to ensure that talented athletes are not held back due to a lack of resources or support. He said the government has undertaken several initiatives over the past year to strengthen the capital's sporting ecosystem.

According to Sood, more than 25,000 athletes participated in the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, and the government plans to expand the event next year to around 40,000 participants across 14 disciplines. He added that investments are being made in sports infrastructure, athlete training and talent development.

The minister said international sporting events help strengthen friendship, trust and cultural ties among nations, adding that respect for opponents and pride in representing one's country are integral to the spirit of sport.

He urged athletes to compete with determination while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, saying every participant represents the aspirations of their nation regardless of the final result.

Sood also thanked the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, the Table Tennis Federation of India, the organising committee, volunteers and officials for hosting the championship. He said staging the event reflects Delhi's growing capability to organise international sporting competitions.

Tags : Commonwealth, Table Tennis, Rekha Gupta, Ashish Sood, Delhi