Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said her government is committed to transforming the national capital into the sports capital of India while addressing the closing ceremony of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships at the Thyagaraj Stadium.
Presenting medals to the winners of the week-long tournament, Gupta said Delhi had once again proved its ability to successfully host international sporting events and promised greater investment in sports infrastructure and development.
“It is our resolve that Delhi becomes not only the political capital of the country but also the sports capital of India,” Gupta said.
The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, held from July 27 to August 2, featured players from 25 Commonwealth nations. India dominated the competition, winning all but one of the gold medals on offer. Ankur Bhattacharjee and Yashaswini Ghorpade clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles, while the hosts missed out only on the men’s doubles crown.
Gupta said the Delhi government had invited school students to watch the championships to inspire them to pursue sports. She added that sporting activities help instil discipline, leadership, teamwork and patriotism among young people.
The chief minister also highlighted Delhi’s growing ambitions as a sporting hub, revealing that the city will host the ISF World School Wrestling Championship and the ISF World School Badminton Championship in 2027. She added that the government has also submitted bids to host the National Games and the Khelo India Games.
“Through these events, Delhi will establish a strong identity on the global sports map,” Gupta said.
Congratulating the Indian contingent, she praised the team for winning the men’s and women’s team titles and lauded all participating athletes for making the championship a success. Gupta also thanked the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, the Table Tennis Federation of India, organisers, volunteers and security personnel for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
Delhi Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said the successful hosting of the championships reflected the capital’s organisational capabilities and would encourage more youngsters to take up sport.
“The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships have given Delhi a new identity on the global sports map,” Sood said, adding that the participation of athletes from 25 countries showcased the power of sport in fostering friendship and mutual respect across nations.
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