Delhi CM Rekha unveils Mayur mascot
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled the official mascot ‘Mayur’ for the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 to be held in Delhi later this month. The championship will be held at the Thyagaraj Stadium from July 27 to August 2, bringing together top players from 25 Commonwealth countries. Inspired by India’s national bird, the mascot reflects the spirit, heritage and vibrant identity of a nation ready to welcome the Commonwealth.
The unveiling ceremony was also attended by Delhi’s Education and Sports minister Ashish Sood, Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation president Vivek Kohli and office-bearers of the Table Tennis Federation of India, players, coaches and other guests.
Highlighting the symbolic significance of the mascot, the Chief Minister said that ‘Mayur’ is inspired by India’s national bird and embodies energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy and positivity. She noted that 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. Expressing pride over Delhi being chosen to host the prestigious international championship, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the event is a testimony to the national capital’s modern sports infrastructure, exceptional organisational capability and unwavering commitment to global sports. She said Delhi has a proven track record of successfully hosting major sporting events, from the Asian Games to the Commonwealth Games.
The chief minister said the Indian team would enter the tournament as a strong contender on home soil and that the country’s players would showcase their talent and abilities while making the nation proud.
She added that the championship would provide Indian players with exposure to world-class competition and inspire young athletes. Speaking on the occasion, Sood expressed his special gratitude to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, saying that despite her busy schedule, she continues to encourage Delhi’s athletes, the sporting ecosystem and sports culture.
The Education Minister said the unveiling of the official mascot ‘Mayur’ for the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 was not merely the launch of a mascot but also symbolised the unveiling of a new vision for the future of sports in Delhi. Sood further mentioned that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Gupta, the Delhi government is preparing the national capital to host future Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships and other major international sporting events. The Delhi government is developing five centres of excellence to promote sports, covering disciplines such as swimming, athletics, wrestling and table tennis, that will not only function as training facilities but also serve as a strong talent pipeline for nurturing Delhi’s future sporting champions.
The government is creating an environment where every child aspiring to become a sportsperson will have access to world-class sports infrastructure, international-standard coaching, sports science and advanced training facilities, Sood said.
