School Sports Postponed in Delhi-NCR Due to Air Quality
Schools in Delhi-NCR and nearby parts of North India may have to cancel or reschedule outdoor sports events planned for November and December. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to ensure that physical sports activities in schools are not conducted during these two months because of concerns over poor air quality.
The decision is linked to the serious pollution conditions that often affect the Delhi-NCR region during winter. During this period, pollution levels can rise sharply, creating unhealthy conditions for children and other people who spend long periods outdoors.
CAQM has asked schools and authorities to consider local air quality before organising sporting events. Schools that have already planned competitions during November or December may need to postpone them or move them to a safer period.
The instruction is aimed particularly at protecting students from the possible health effects of exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Physical activity can increase breathing rates, which may result in greater exposure to polluted air.
Schools have also been asked to ensure that students are not unfairly affected by changes to sports competitions. If an event is cancelled or rescheduled because of air pollution, students who are unable to participate should not be placed at a disadvantage compared with those who are able to take part later.
Why Was the Rule Introduced?
The decision follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court about children participating in outdoor sports during periods of severe air pollution.
On November 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed CAQM to communicate with schools in Delhi-NCR regarding the postponement or cancellation of sports activities during November and December. The Court raised concerns about the potential health risks faced by children when they exercise outdoors in highly polluted conditions.
The latest instructions are therefore part of wider efforts to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy air during the winter pollution season.
For schools, the new guidance means sports schedules may need to be planned more carefully. Authorities will have to monitor air quality and consider whether outdoor competitions are safe before allowing them to take place.
While the restrictions may affect school sports calendars, the main focus is on protecting students’ health. Schools may need to find alternative dates or arrangements so that students can continue participating in sports without being exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution.