India, Jan. 16 -- Delhi's battle with hazardous AQI levels has given birth to a new concern: sports tournaments. Is the Capital unfit as a venue for live sporting events? The question has arisen ever since World No. 3 Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen withdrew from the ongoing India Open 2026, citing health concerns linked to pollution, and was later fined $5,000 by the Badminton World Federation.

This is not an isolated incident. The 9th Elite Men's & Women's National Championships in Greater Noida, originally planned from December 31, 2025 to January 6, was rescheduled to January 4 to 10. Does this mean sports fans may miss out on live action due to air quality concerns raised by international athletes?

Yogesh Kathuniya, Delhi-based Par...