Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Toxic Air Hinders Indian Athletes' Training
Many athletes in India are having a hard time training because the air is very polluted and the summers are extremely hot.
This is making them sick and affecting their performance.
Some athletes have to leave Delhi to train in other places with cleaner air.
Coaches and doctors say that the air quality is so bad that it is putting extra strain on the athletes' lungs and hearts.
They are asking for better training facilities, like indoor arenas, to help athletes train safely.
Without these changes, it will be difficult for India to prepare for big events like the 2036 Olympics.
International badminton stars have also complained about the air pollution in Delhi, indicating that the problem is affecting both outdoor and indoor sports.
International and Indian athletes are facing health issues due to toxic air and extreme heat in Delhi and other training locations.
The pollution and heat are disrupting training cycles and causing athletes to relocate for safer conditions.
Doctors warn that exercising in polluted air can strain the lungs, reduce exercise capacity, and affect the heart and brain.
Athletes and coaches are advocating for indoor, temperature-controlled training facilities to mitigate the effects of poor air quality.
The shrinking window for safe outdoor training is impacting India's preparations for the 2036 Olympics.
- Who
- Indian and international athletes, coaches, and medical experts
- What
- Toxic air and extreme heat affecting athletes' training and health
- When
- Ongoing, with projections of worsening conditions by 2030
- Where
- Delhi, Patiala, Sonepat, and other regions in central India
- Why
- High pollution levels and extreme temperatures disrupt training and pose health risks
Athletes and Coaches
Government and Authorities
Training Conditions
Athletes and Coaches
Athletes and coaches advocate for indoor, temperature-controlled training facilities to mitigate the effects of poor air quality and extreme heat.
Government and Authorities
No explicit stance from government or authorities in the provided articles.
Relocation for Training
Athletes and Coaches
Athletes are relocating to cleaner regions like Bhubaneswar, South Africa, and the US to avoid the adverse effects of pollution and heat.
Government and Authorities
No explicit stance from government or authorities in the provided articles.
- Primary Category
- SPORTS
- Secondary Category
- Athletes
- Tertiary Category
- Training Conditions
- Quaternary Category
- Air Quality
- Affected Athletes
- International and Indian athletes
- Key Locations
- Delhi, Patiala, Sonepat, Bhubaneswar, South Africa, US
- Health Impacts
- Lung strain, reduced exercise capacity, heart and brain effects
- Training Disruptions
- Shrinking safe training window, relocation of athletes
- Proposed Solutions
- Indoor, temperature-controlled arenas, relocation to cleaner regions
- Future Concerns
- Impact on 2036 Olympics preparations
Sources
Sports alarm: Toxic air outdoors, indoors not weather proof, International Olympic Committee takes note
Daily Briefing: Should India join the Board of Peace?
Toxic air wake-up call: The biggest limiter is I can’t do strenuous training because my lungs are going to be impacted: Tejaswin Shankar
Toxic air wake-up call: We get tired and our recovery is slower when we train outdoors, writes para world champion Sumit Antil
How toxic air is impacting India’s athletes: 2023 Jr WC team captain recalls her ordeal, ‘Developed breathing problems, persistent coughing, throat infections and allergies’
How toxic air is impacting India’s athletes: ‘Eye irritation causes blurring, impacts a shot,’ says national shooting coach Deepali Deshpande
