Delhi Grapples with Air Quality as Athletes Voice Concerns
New Delhi is facing renewed scrutiny over its air quality, as international athletes participating in the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament raise concerns about the impact of pollution on their performance and health. The criticism comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat Delhi's persistent air pollution problem, which has been a major environmental and health concern for years.
Loh Kean Yew, a former world champion from Singapore, has openly discussed the challenges posed by Delhi's air quality. Following his victory over India's H.S. Prannoy on January 15, 2026, Loh stated that the pollution had affected players' energy levels. "I breathe less," he remarked, adding that he relies on wearing a mask and staying indoors as much as possible to mitigate the effects. He also noted that the stamina of all the players had noticeably decreased due to the weather conditions.
Loh's comments follow the withdrawal of world No. 2 Anders Antonsen from the tournament for the third consecutive year, citing "extreme pollution" as the reason. Antonsen posted a screenshot on Instagram showing Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at a hazardous level of 348. Mia Blichfeldt, another Danish player, also criticized the "unhealthy conditions" at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the tournament venue, referring to dust and bird droppings.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has defended the arrangements, asserting that the India Open meets international standards and serves as a test event for the upcoming BWF World Championships in August. However, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) acknowledged the challenges posed by seasonal conditions, including haze and cold weather, and stated that insights gathered from the India Open would guide further upgrades to ensure a world-class experience for the World Championships.
Delhi's air pollution has far-reaching health consequences, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Studies have shown that it can cause respiratory infections, lung damage, and increased risks of heart disease and other ailments. For athletes, exposure to polluted air can impair performance, reduce lung function, and increase cardiovascular strain.
The Delhi government has been implementing various measures to combat air pollution, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). These measures include actions like work-from-home mandates and odd-even traffic schemes. An innovation challenge has also been launched to identify practical and scalable solutions to tackle air pollution, with shortlisted proposals including air purifiers mounted on vehicles and smog guns.
Long-term solutions to Delhi's air pollution crisis require a multi-pronged approach, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting public transport, implementing stricter emission norms, and addressing agricultural practices that contribute to pollution. Experts emphasize the importance of public participation, community-based initiatives, and policy reforms at the national and state levels.
