By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: India scripted a memorable chapter in its table tennis history by clinching both the men’s and women’s team gold medals at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026, with an emotional medal ceremony at Thyagraj Stadium where the National Anthem echoed across the arena in celebration of the host nation’s triumph.
The Team Medal Ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra as the Chief Guest and Delhi’s Minister for Education & Sports Shri Ashish Sood as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation President Shri Vivek Kohli and Table Tennis Federation of India President Mrs. Meghna Ahlawat.
Congratulating the champions, Harsh Malhotra said the India-Malaysia final showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship, stressing that the purpose of sport extends beyond winning to fostering fair competition and mutual respect. He noted that the participation of athletes from 25 Commonwealth nations reflected how sport strengthens trust, cooperation and friendship among countries.
The Union Minister also praised the Delhi Government for successfully hosting the international championship and said India’s growing investment in sports infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped the country deliver consistent performances at major global events, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. He expressed confidence that such international competitions would further deepen sporting ties and international cooperation.
Welcoming athletes, officials and delegates, Sports Minister Ashish Sood described the championship as a celebration of friendship, mutual respect and healthy competition that transcends national boundaries. He said the successful organisation of the event demonstrated Delhi’s capability to host world-class sporting competitions while showcasing India’s tradition of hospitality.
Highlighting the significance of team events, Sood said team championships embody trust, cooperation and collective determination, with every medal reflecting the dedication of athletes, coaches, support staff and families alike. Referring to the championship mascot “Mayur,” inspired by India’s national bird, he said it symbolised grace, resilience and confidence—qualities displayed by the competing athletes.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sood reminded young athletes that “In sports, there is never defeat—there is only victory or a lesson,” urging them to dream big, remain disciplined and pursue excellence. He reiterated the Delhi Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, nurturing young talent and welcoming more international sporting events to the national capital.
The championship, being hosted by the Government of Delhi at Thyagraj Stadium from July 27 to August 2, concluded the team events with India emerging as the dominant force. Malaysia secured silver medals in both the men’s and women’s categories. Singapore and England shared the men’s bronze medals, while Australia and England jointly claimed bronze in the women’s competition.
The medal ceremony reached its emotional peak as India’s men’s and women’s teams stood atop the podium to receive their gold medals, with the National Anthem reverberating through the stadium, marking a proud moment for Indian sport and the Commonwealth table tennis community.
