Toxic haze keeps athletes indoors, disrupts training routines

As air quality continues to decline across several major cities, athletes - both professional and aspiring - are struggling to maintain consistent training routines. The worsening toxic haze, especially in northern India, has forced many sports academies to modify schedules, reduce outdoor timings or temporarily halt practice.

Coaches warn that prolonged exposure to polluted air lowers lung capacity, disrupts recovery and affects overall stamina, all crucial for athletic performance. With key state and national tournaments approaching, many fear the long-term impact of repeated seasonal disruption.

For some, the situation has become unmanageable. International para athlete Harshita Tater, who specialises in 100m and 200m events, recently relocated to her hometown Bengaluru to continue her training. “Shifting was not easy, but it was necessary. Pollution affects my breathing and explosiveness during sprints. Many athletes do this every year, either shifting temporarily or practicing indoors just to protect their health,” she said.

Athletes still in the city say their training rhythm has been severely affected. “On some days, AQI is so bad that stepping outside feels suffocating. Missing practice affects my rhythm, but practicing in this air affects my breathing,” said Rishabh, a state-level athlete.

Coaches are also being forced to alter long-standing training routines. Speaking to The Tribune, coach Gurkaran Singh said shifting training hours had become unavoidable. “I make my students practice in the afternoon because morning and evening hours usually have highest pollution levels. Athletes face problems, but we don’t have any other option. We can’t train indoors every day.

Because of pollution, athletes exhaust much faster. A runner who normally completes four repetitions of 800 meters can barely finish two,” he said.

Cycling communities are facing similar barriers. A 15-member cycling club in Delhi, which normally completes a 20-km route every weekend, has suspended outings. “We started cycling for fitness and fun, but now it feels unsafe. Our throats burn, our eyes water and breathing becomes difficult within minutes. For the past few weeks, we’ve stopped completely. It’s just not worth the health risk,” the group shared with The Tribune.

Even indoor athletes are not spared. Deepak Ra, a college student and 10m air rifle shooter, said the pollution affects concentration despite controlled environments. “We practice in indoor stadiums. Due to pollution, we face issues like itching and irritation in eyes. It distracts us and shifts our focus, which directly impacts performance,” he said.

Medical experts warn that repeated exposure could lead to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, especially on young athletes still developing lung capacity.

As pollution levels remain severe and winter progresses, athletes and training institutions are urging long-term intervention rather than seasonal measures. Until then, many say they are left managing the crisis day by day, forced to choose between compromised training or compromised health.