Delhi's Sporting Event Dominance Faces Scrutiny
Delhi consistently hosts major sporting competitions, but serious questions emerge about this practice. The city's pollution crisis and player safety issues create genuine concerns for athletes. High AQI levels, bird droppings, and even dog bites directly affect competitors testing their endurance and explosiveness on court.
A Troubling Week at India Open
This week's India Open badminton tournament revealed multiple problems. The event raised fundamental questions about Delhi's suitability as a host city. While Delhi certainly possesses the capability to organize top-level badminton, the more pressing question is whether it should continue doing so.
The recent tournament experienced several difficulties that highlighted broader issues. These challenges go beyond typical organizational hiccups that any host city might face. Delhi presents a particularly concerning scenario for international athletes.
Pollution: The Primary Concern
Delhi's air quality index often remains around 400, creating hazardous conditions for athletes. Sport originally focused on health benefits for participants, but Delhi's atmosphere contradicts this fundamental principle. International athletes voluntarily test their lungs in these conditions while operating at maximum intensity.
Singaporean shuttler Loh Kean Yew noted how every competitor's performance drops significantly when playing the India Open. Danish players Mia Blichfeldt and Anders Antonsen expressed genuine concerns about breathing clean air during competition. Their complaints represent more than simple criticism - they highlight serious health risks.
Historical Successes Elsewhere
India has successfully hosted major sporting events in other cities. Hyderabad organized the 2009 Badminton World Championships smoothly after initial security concerns. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi saw India achieve second place in the medal tally, thanks to gold medals from Saina Nehwal and Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponappa.
However, recent events reveal persistent problems. The Junior Worlds in Guwahati faced streaming issues on the first day. The Syed Modi tournament in Lucknow encountered bird droppings problems two years ago. Foreign players noted poor tap water conditions at Guwahati hotels during a Super 100 event.
Beyond Delhi: Other Capable Cities
Delhi's monopoly on major events denies opportunities to other capable Indian cities. Hyderabad demonstrated its hosting capabilities seventeen years ago with full crowds even for early morning sessions at the 2009 Worlds. Bengaluru boasts active amateur players and genuine badminton enthusiasm.
Other cities with strong infrastructure include:
- Odisha with its modern facilities
- Chennai with established sporting culture
- Mumbai with its metropolitan advantages
The southern region particularly represents badminton's hard-core fanbase in India. These alternative locations deserve consideration for major tournaments.
Additional Safety Concerns
Beyond pollution, other safety issues emerged during recent events. Bird droppings at the India Open created playing surface hazards. During last year's Athletics Para Worlds, dogs bit Japanese sportspersons. While monkeys in stadiums might provide amusement, these incidents point to larger management problems.
Scientific evidence confirms that pigeon droppings present respiratory hazards. These incidents collectively damage India's reputation as it considers future Olympic bids.
The Way Forward
The recent spate of pre-event withdrawals and early exits tells a worrying story. International shuttlers' complaints might provide necessary pressure for Delhi's authorities to address pollution seriously. This could become sport's most significant contribution to residents' health.
Winning medals while struggling to breathe between rallies makes little sense from any perspective. The fundamental question remains whether athletes should compete in conditions that potentially harm their health. Delhi's caretakers must tackle these issues comprehensively if the city continues hosting major sporting events.
Written based on reporting by Shivani Naik, January 18, 2026
