India, July 28 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 at Thyagraj Stadium, marking the start of the week-long international tournament that will continue till August 2. The championship has brought together players from 25 Commonwealth member countries, with free entry for spectators. Welcoming athletes, coaches and official delegations, Gupta said it was a matter of pride for Delhi to host the prestigious tournament and reaffirmed the Capital's readiness to stage major international sporting events. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, "Sports are not just about competition, they are a powerful force for connecting countries and cultures." She added that such events inspire young people to embrace discipline, dedication and healthy competition while strengthening global friendship and cultural exchange.
Gupta formally declared the championship open after unveiling the official trophy. The inauguration also featured the athletes' oath, where players pledged to uphold sportsmanship and fair play, followed by a ceremonial first stroke played by the Chief Minister with a table tennis racket. The opening ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the Parade of Nations and cultural performances, including Colour of India, Shiv Tandav and a sitar-symphony jugalbandi, showcasing India's cultural heritage. Highlighting the country's sporting progress, Gupta said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is achieving new milestones in sports through world-class infrastructure, modern facilities and its growing capability to host international events." She added that the Delhi Government is committed to promoting sports by strengthening infrastructure and creating better opportunities for young athletes.
Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said the championship was more than a sporting contest. "Sporting events are not merely competitions but also platforms for cultural exchange," he said, adding that the tournament would strengthen friendship and sportsmanship among Commonwealth nations. He also emphasised the importance of sports in education, saying, "Education and sports complement each other. While classrooms provide knowledge, sports teach teamwork, discipline, leadership, patience and perseverance." The championship features participants from countries including India, Australia, England, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Canada, among others. Spectators can attend all matches free of cost until the tournament concludes on August 2.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.