![\"Mayur](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-47529300,imgsize-110164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/47529300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew 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\u2019s readiness to host major international competitions while strengthening its long-term sports ecosystem.Days ahead of its 22nd edition, the city unveiled the tournament\u2019s 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\u2019s 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, \u201cMascot Mayur is inspired by India\u2019s national bird and embodies energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy and positivity. The peacock\u2019s feathers beautifully incorporate the national flags of all participating countries, reflecting the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the universal message of sportsmanship.\u201d 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, \u201cThe event is a testimony to the capital\u2019s modern sports infrastructure, exceptional organisational capability and unwavering commitment to global sports.\u201d 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. \u201cThe unveiling of Mayur is not merely the launch of a mascot, but the unveiling of a new vision for Delhi\u2019s sporting future,\u201d he said. \u201cDelhi is not only the capital of India but is steadily moving towards establishing itself as the country\u2019s sports capital and, in the future, a global sports hub.\u201dThe 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\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n