Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled the peacock, the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also launched the much-awaited official trailer of the championship. Highlighting the symbolic importance of the mascot Peacock, the Chief Minister said that the official mascot Peacock is inspired by the national bird of India, which radiates energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy and positivity.
The special thing is that the national flags of all the countries participating in this competition have been beautifully threaded in the peacock feathers, which reflects the global message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and sportsmanship. In this grand ceremony organized at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood, Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), officials of Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, representatives of various countries, players, dignitaries from the sports world and a large number of youth were present.
Delhi has a strong claim on the global sports map
Expressing pride in Delhi for hosting this prestigious international competition, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that this event is a living testimony of the national capital’s modern sports infrastructure, unmatched organizational capacity and our unwavering commitment towards global sports. From Asian Games to Commonwealth Games, Delhi’s history has witnessed successful and grand events. The resolve of Delhi Government is to provide world-class facilities and international platform to our youth so that Delhi can be established as the leading sports capital of the country.
Indian team is a strong contender in the competition
He said that the Indian team will enter the competition on home ground as a strong contender and the players of the country will make the nation proud by showcasing their talent and ability. This competition will provide Indian players with the experience of world-class competition and will inspire young players. Congratulating the organizing committee, sports department, Table Tennis Federation of India, volunteers and all the supporting organizations on this occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Delhi is once again ready to present an example of its sports culture, excellent infrastructure and hospitality to the world.
He welcomed all the participating countries and players to the capital and extended best wishes for the successful organization of the competition.
The competition will start from 27th July
This 7-day Khel Mahakumbh will be organized from 27 July to 2 August 2026 at the state-of-the-art Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi. Top paddlers from more than 25 countries of the Commonwealth are participating in this championship. These include many countries including England, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Scotland, Wales, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, Malta, Botswana, Jamaica, Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago. The final matches of the competition will be played on 2nd August.
Government committed to taking sports to new heights
On this occasion, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood expressed special gratitude to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and said that despite her busy schedule, she is continuously encouraging the players, sports ecosystem and sports culture of Delhi. He said that the Delhi government under the leadership of the Chief Minister is committed to taking sports to new heights. He welcomed Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation President Vivek Kohli, Additional Director of Education Department Nitin Jindal, Table Tennis Federation of India officials, players, coaches, distinguished guests and sports lovers.
A new vision for Delhi’s sports future
The Education Minister said that today is not only the occasion of the unveiling of the Peacock, the official mascot of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026, but it also marks the inauguration of a new vision for the sports future of Delhi. He said that Delhi is not only the capital of India but is also moving towards establishing its identity as the sports capital of the country and as a global sports center in the future.
The best players will showcase their talent
He told that in this championship the best players of 25 Commonwealth countries will showcase their talent. This competition is not the final goal for Delhi, but the beginning of a bigger journey. The Education and Sports Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is preparing the capital to host future Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships and other major international sporting events.
Five centers of excellence will be developed
He said that the aim of the government is not just to organize sports competitions, but to create a strong and world-class sports ecosystem. He told that Delhi government is going to develop five centers of excellence to promote sports. These will include sports like swimming, athletics, wrestling and table tennis. These Centers of Excellence will not just be training centres, but will act as a strong sports pipeline to groom the future sports talent of Delhi.
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