The 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships brought together many of the top athletes from across the Commonwealth, providing Team Canada with an outstanding opportunity to compete against world class opposition while proudly representing the Maple Leaf on the international stage.
Held in New Delhi, India, the championship challenged athletes both on and off the table. From adapting to new playing styles and managing long travel days to performing in front of passionate crowds, every match became another opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for future international competition.
For many athletes, simply wearing the Canadian jersey was a moment they will never forget.
“It was an incredible honour to represent Team Canada at the Commonwealth Championships and compete alongside some of the best table tennis players in the world,” said Crystal Liu. “The experience reminded me of just how many talented and hardworking athletes there are in this sport. Every player has a unique style and approach to the game, and I really enjoyed watching them compete and learning from their techniques. It inspired me to train more and improve my own skills.”
The level of competition throughout the tournament challenged every member of Team Canada. “Competing against some of the best players in the Commonwealth was an incredible opportunity and a great learning experience,” said Olivia. “One of the biggest things I learned was how important it is not to let one bad point affect the next few points. I learned to reset quickly, stay present, and keep fighting no matter the score.”
Kenny echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how international competition reinforces the importance of trusting the preparation that happens long before stepping onto the court. “At this level, everyone is talented, so what sets players apart is staying composed, adapting, and trusting your preparation when the pressure is at its highest,” he said. “Representing Canada was an incredible honour, and wearing the Maple Leaf inspired me to keep pushing my limits.”
For Laurent, one of the tournament’s defining moments came during a dramatic match where enthusiastic young fans created an unforgettable atmosphere. “There were often a lot of kids cheering extremely loudly,” Laurent recalled. “During one match there were constant momentum shifts, distractions, and even a fan asking for a picture during play. I learned that anything can happen, and it’s crucial to filter the external factors and keep your focus on what you can do to win the match.”
Behind every international team is a dedicated group of coaches and support staff working tirelessly to ensure athletes can perform at their best. Team Manager Maxime described the challenges of preparing athletes in a country with a significant time difference and different daily routines. “When traveling to a country like India, it’s important to make responsible choices regarding meals, recovery, and managing jet lag,” he explained. “Those behind the scenes details play a huge role in helping athletes perform at their best.”
He was equally impressed by how the team handled the demands of the event. “The athletes and coaches showed incredible resilience,” Maxime said. “Schedules changed constantly, but everyone adapted, stayed professional, and treated every challenge as another opportunity.”
The championships also highlighted the continued growth of coaching in Canada. As part of Table Tennis Canada’s Women in Coaching Mentorship Program, Maxime had the opportunity to mentor Rose while serving as Team Manager. “It was amazing to see Rose coaching athletes on the international stage,” he said. “I could see how much confidence she had gained, and I was very proud to witness another important milestone in her coaching journey.”
As the team returns home, the lessons learned in India will continue to shape their development. While medals are always a goal, experiences like the Commonwealth Championships provide something equally valuable, confidence, resilience, international experience, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete on the world stage.
Maxi Ji perhaps summed it up best when reflecting on the journey ahead. “Enjoy the process and never stop learning. There will be ups and downs, but every experience is an opportunity to improve. Stay patient, trust your training, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Those experiences are what help you grow the most, both as an athlete and as a person.”
