In this special report, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor examines the escalating pollution crisis in North India and its detrimental impact on the nation’s sporting aspirations. Kapoor highlights that the ‘air emergency choking North India and several other parts of the country isn’t just a health hazard anymore, it’s a national liability.’ The programme discusses how toxic air quality is jeopardising India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad as the frontrunner. Joined by colleague Nikhil Naz, the discussion covers instances where international athletes, including badminton star Anders Antonsen, have raised alarms or refused to play in Delhi. The report further details how pollution affects athlete training, lung capacity, and the overall feasibility of hosting global events like the Commonwealth Games and the ODI World Cup. Kapoor concludes that the environmental crisis is not only an economic burden but a significant hurdle to India’s dream of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
