India’s sports calendar is bolstering as the country builds its image as a global sporting hub. While cricket, hockey, and badminton lead the scene, the athletic landscape is transforming, driven by raw passion and the unprecedented growth of its elite infrastructure. This year, it’s time for ping-pong. With its portfolio of upcoming international events, the absolute velocity of paddle sports returns to the country. From July 27 to August 2, 2026, New Delhi is gearing up to host the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship. Taking the baton from the 2019 edition, the prestigious tournament returns after seven years and this time at Thyagaraj Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming action-packed event.
22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship, New Delhi
Sanctioned by the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation (CTTF), the landmark event brings the pinnacle of paddle sports within the Commonwealth Nations. Moreover, it speaks to the dialogue of cultural exchange and upholding national pride. With dramatic high-powered rallies, the athletes will compete for historic gold, silver, and bronze medals along with ITTF world ranking points and ultimate glory. The cash prizes for the winners are yet to be announced.
Adding to the pre-tournament excitement, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship’s official mascot, Mayur. The adorable animated blue-purple bird is inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock. Moreover, the energetic mascot wears the official championship jersey, with its fan of feathers incorporating the national flags of the competing countries.
Categories and schedule
Over seven days, the tournament will unfold across seven traditional table tennis categories, including men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles matches. Additionally, this year’s grid is packed with paddlers from 35 participating Commonwealth countries. The competing nations include powerhouses from England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Scotland, Wales, Nigeria, Kenya, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
The schedule is yet to be released. However, the expected routine will follow early team qualification and group stages starting July 27, 2026. Finally, it will culminate in a blockbuster grand finale with a closing ceremony and medal distribution on August 2, 2026.
What else to know?
The stellar Indian contingent is entering the arena armed with home crowd advantage. All eyes are on the veteran paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal, a multi-Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Additionally, bringing the clinical precision are Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and the rising star Manush Shah. Leading the women’s team is the trailblazer, Manika Batra, with the reigning national champion, Sreeja Akula, both heavily favoured in the singles draws. Nevertheless, the home team faces fierce resistance from global titans. Now, it is only a matter of days to see if India’s athletes can keep the medals from leaving the country.
The championship takes place indoors at the Thyagraj Stadium, which brings a world-class infrastructure and a fantastic viewing experience. Fans can watch the blistering speed of the ball and paddles live. While the tickets are yet to go live, expect general access to start at accessible rates, as low as ₹ 100/- and premium tickets going up to ₹ 500/-. Furthermore, the organisers note that the event is aligned and leads up to Delhi’s broader ambitions for the Olympics 2036. It acts as the perfect long-term push to put the city as a global contender for mega international sporting events.
Do keep an eye out for the official website and Instagram handle to grab your tickets.
Key Information
📅Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, 2026
⏰9 AM onwards
📍Thyagaraj Stadium, South Extension I, INA Colony, New Delhi
💸 ₹ 100/- onwards
🎟️To be announced
