NEW DELHI, AUG 2 (PTI): Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented medals to winners of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships that concluded here at the Thyagaraj Stadium on Sunday and said the government has resolved to make Delhi the sports capital of the country.
The championship, which was held from July 27 to August 2, saw participation from players representing 25 Commonwealth countries.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the event, Gupta said Delhi had once again demonstrated its capability to host international sporting events and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports among the youth.
“It is our resolve that Delhi becomes not only the political capital of the country but also the sports capital of India,” she said.
India dominated the championships, winning all but one of the gold medals on offer. Ankur Bhattacharjee and Yashaswini Ghorpade clinched the men’s and women’s singles title. The lone title eluded the hosts was the men’s doubles.
According to a statement, the closing ceremony featured cultural performances by ‘Flying Drummers’, a Kalaripayattu demonstration and a presentation by special-needs children, followed by the medal ceremony.
Gupta said school students had been invited to watch the championship so they could draw inspiration from international players. She said sports help inculcate discipline, leadership, teamwork and patriotism among youngsters.
She said that Delhi’s sporting future is set to become even brighter, and in 2027, the capital will host the ISF World School Wrestling Championship and the ISF World School Badminton Championship, according to a statement.
The government has also submitted bids to host the National Games and the Khelo India Games, she added. Through these events, Delhi will establish a strong identity on the global sports map, she said.
Congratulating the Indian contingent, the chief minister said the team made the country proud by winning Gold medals in both the men’s and women’s team events and wished all the medal winners and participating countries for their performances.
She also thanked the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, the Table Tennis Federation of India, organisers, technical officials, volunteers and security agencies for the successful conduct of the event.
Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said the successful hosting of the championship reflected Delhi’s organisational capabilities and would encourage more young people to take up sports.
“The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships have given Delhi a new identity on the global sports map,” Sood said.
He said participation by athletes from 25 Commonwealth nations highlighted how sports promotes friendship and mutual respect beyond geographical boundaries. He also congratulated the Indian team on its performance.
