New Delhi: Delhi is positioning itself as a global sporting destination, with the upcoming Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 serving as a platform to showcase the city’s readiness to host major international competitions while strengthening its long-term sports ecosystem.Days ahead of its 22nd edition, the city unveiled the tournament’s official mascot, Mayur, Tuesday as part of the preparations. The championship, scheduled to be held at Thyagaraj Stadium from July 27 to Aug 2, will bring together top paddlers from 25 Commonwealth countries, placing Delhi at the centre of international table tennis. The participating nations include England, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Scotland, Wales, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, Malta, Botswana, Jamaica, Kenya, and Trinidad and Tobago.The purple peacock mascot, dressed in the championship jersey and featuring an elaborate fan of feathers adorned with the flags of participating Commonwealth nations, represents India’s cultural heritage while celebrating the diversity, unity and sporting spirit of the Commonwealth community, officials said.Chief minister Rekha Gupta, who unveiled the mascot in the presence of education and sports minister Ashish Sood, said, “Mascot Mayur is inspired by India’s national bird and embodies energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy and positivity. The peacock’s feathers beautifully incorporate the national flags of all participating countries, reflecting the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the universal message of sportsmanship.” Govt also announced plans to develop five Centres of Excellence across multiple sporting disciplines.Expressing pride over Delhi being chosen to host the prestigious international championship, CM, who also launched the official trailer of the championship, said, “The event is a testimony to the capital’s modern sports infrastructure, exceptional organisational capability and unwavering commitment to global sports.” She said Delhi had a proven track record of successfully hosting major sporting events, from Asian Games to Commonwealth Games.Sood spoke about how Delhi was moving towards becoming the sports capital. “The unveiling of Mayur is not merely the launch of a mascot, but the unveiling of a new vision for Delhi’s sporting future,” he said. “Delhi is not only the capital of India but is steadily moving towards establishing itself as the country’s sports capital and, in the future, a global sports hub.”The minister announced that Delhi govt was developing five Centres of Excellence covering disciplines such as swimming, athletics, wrestling and table tennis. He said these centres would not merely function as training facilities but would serve as a strong talent pipeline for nurturing Delhi’s future sporting champions.Also present at the event were office-bearers of Table Tennis Federation of India and Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, representatives from various countries, players, distinguished members of the sporting fraternity and a large number of young people.
