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This morning, visibility in New Delhi dropped by 600 metres in the span of three hours. The pollution levels have reached so high that the Delhi government is planning to implement the Odd-Even scheme for cars, yet again.
The air has been un-breathable for so many citizens, so one can imagine the situation where athletes have to perform on the pitch or on the road. So here are 4 sporting event that could be affected by the Delhi pollution.
Indian Super League
The Indian Super League (ISL) commences on the November 17. However, the rise in pollution levels in New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) could affect the ISL franchise Delhi Dynamos.
Delhi Dynamos assistant coach Shakti Chauhan voiced his concerns about the rising pollution levels. He said, "The situation is very dangerous in Delhi, and it was the same last year as well. At night, it gets even worse. As a result, this time we are taking full precautions and making sure the health of the players is not affected."
Delhi do not have any home matches towards the end of November, when the pollution levels in the city are generally high. Even the FIFA Local Organising Committee had not kept any of the FIFA U17 World Cup matches in Delhi after October 16, due to high levels of pollution in the city at this time of the year.
I-League
Similarly, the I-League could be affected as Delhi-based side Indian Arrows could struggle with the pollution levels. The Arrows mainly consists of the promising junior players, who had impressed in the FIFA U17 World Cup, or with the India U19 side. The objective is for India to make the cut for the U20 World Cup in 2019. However, with such conditions, things could be hazardous for the youngsters.
Delhi Half Marathon
Even the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is contemplating shifting the event to a new window. Managing director of Procam International Vivek Singh said, "There is a possibility to shift this event to a new window...we may organise the event earlier or later. We have the option of the alternative window."
Title sponsor, Airtel initially threatened to pull out due to health concerns but ultimately relented.
India Open Golf
Yet another event that will be affected will be the Hero India Golf tournament. While other events are yet to begin, in the case of Golf, the event is already well underway. Golfer Aditi Ashok is fresh from her Fatima Bin Mubarak Ladies Open win in Abu Dhabi last week.
The pollution levels have thrown into doubt the viability of hosting some of the events in the national capital
With the government doing all they can to mitigate the disaster, the event organisers are trying to cooperate and coordinate everything to ensure a smooth running. While some events like the Golf tournaments are already running, other events are yet to commence. No one knows whether the pollution situation will get worse or stagnate.
With the Delhi situation dire, all we can do is urge the athletes to take extra precautions in their respective events.
