School Sports in Delhi-NCR: The Commission for Air Quality Management, CAQM, asked schools in Delhi and the NCR states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to skip outdoor sports events in November and December 2026. The order points to air quality worries and the health of children.
This note is dated September 10, 2026. It repeats issues that came up in the last winter pollution period. It also echoes remarks made by the Supreme Court about how children can be affected when they take part in games outside during heavy pollution days.
School Sports in Delhi-NCR
CAQM noted that Delhi-NCR air often gets worse in winter. During these months, winds can slow down. Winds may also shift direction. In such conditions, smoke and other pollutants can stay near the ground for longer. Burning of crop residue and pollution from nearby activities can add to the problem at the same time.
Because of this, CAQM said local authorities should look at the air quality pattern for the exact place of the event. It should not be assumed that every area in the region has the same level of pollution.
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What CAQM Said About Already Scheduled Competitions?
The advisory does not simply order all school sports to be cancelled.
“The Commission deems it necessary to reiterate its observations made via letter dated November 19, 2025, referred above, for the current year as well. NCR State Governments and the Government of NCT of Delhi are, therefore, advised to ensure that no physical sport activities/competitions are scheduled during November-December, keeping in view the air quality trends prevailing in the area where such events are scheduled to be organised,” CAQM has said in its latest advisory, dated September 10, but shared on Tuesday.
“Competitions, if any, already scheduled may be rescheduled and it may be ensured that students who are unable to participate due to the rescheduling are not unduly disadvantaged,” the advisory, issued by the CAQM member secretary, Tarun Kumar Pithode adds.
Which States Are Covered?
The advisory has been sent to the governments of:
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
The note deals with school sports meets and events across the NCR. It also asks officials to consider local air quality when dates are set.
Supreme Court Link
CAQM’s recent advisory came after issues that were mentioned by the Supreme Court in the MC Mehta vs Union of India air pollution matter, in November 2025.
After those remarks, CAQM told the NCR governments and the Delhi administration to shift the physical sports competitions planned for November and December. The aim was to use the air situation at that time as the basis for decisions.
