Pollution Clobbers Indian Athletes: Urgent Action Needed

India's national sports policy, Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, champions sports for health and development, yet fails to adequately address the severe impact of pollution on athletes. Air and water pollutants directly hinder performance and participation, with vulnerable groups like children and para-athletes suffering most. Endurance athletes inhale toxic air, leading to respiratory and systemic illnesses. High-intensity sports also see increased fatigue-driven injuries. Polluted water bodies endanger aquatic sports, and even winter disciplines are affected by soot and shifting snow patterns.

Recent events highlight this crisis, including a top badminton player withdrawing from the India Open 2026 due to extreme pollution (AQI ~400) and canceled local marathons. Elite athletes from Khelo India and TOPS programs have requested training relocations because prime Indian venues lack breathable air. This mirrors a broader environmental crisis requiring integrated policy solutions.

Reforms such as mindful urban planning with green belts around stadiums and incentivizing school playgrounds are suggested. Data-driven solutions include embedding seasonal resilience into programs and establishing nationwide AQI protocols for training and events: normal operations below 100, modified training between 100-200, and no outdoor endurance sports above 200. Leveraging technology for real-time AQI mapping and citizen engagement is also proposed.

India must mandate pollution audits in sports policies, support resilient infrastructure, and enact nationwide AQI protocols by the Commonwealth Games 2030. This is crucial not only for achieving medals but also for the well-being of millions across the country.