The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked Delhi-NCR authorities to ensure that schools do not schedule physical sports competitions during November and December 2026, keeping in mind the region’s air quality.
In the official advisory dated September 10, CAQM said competitions planned for these months should be rescheduled. The direction covers Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The move follows Supreme Court concerns over the health impact of poor and severe air quality on children taking part in sports.
WHY SPORTS ARE BEING MOVED
The issue was raised during the Supreme Court’s hearing in the air pollution case relating to Delhi-NCR. The court had expressed concern about children participating in physical sports competitions when air quality can become poor or severe in November and December.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court asked CAQM to issue directions to schools to postpone such competitions during these months.
For 2026, the commission has reiterated the concern and asked authorities to act according to air quality trends in the area where events are planned.
NO SPORTS BAN, BUT TIMING MATTERS
The direction does not ask schools to stop sports altogether. Instead, it asks governments to ensure that physical sports activities and competitions are not scheduled in November and December for the region.
CAQM has said scheduled events may be rescheduled.
CHILDREN’S HEALTH COMES FIRST
The advisory focusses on school students during a period when Delhi-NCR often experiences deteriorating air quality.
CAQM’s letter says decisions should take into account the air quality prevailing at the location where a competition is due to take place.
Students who cannot participate because of postponement should not be disadvantaged academically or in sports.
WHAT SCHOOLS NEED TO KNOW
For schools and education departments across the NCR, the message is clear: physical competitions planned for November and December 2026 should be reviewed and, where necessary, moved to a safer period.
The aim is to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy outdoor air while allowing them to continue participating in sports.
CAQM has shared the communication with education authorities, the Sports Authority of India, the School Games Federation of India and pollution control bodies for necessary action.
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