The Indian chess star shared alarming AQI readings on social media, warning that residents and athletes were being “slowly poisoned” by the capital’s toxic air.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, January 17, 2026: Delhi’s chronic air pollution crisis has once again come under intense global scrutiny, this time driven by growing protests from international and Indian athletes who say the capital’s toxic air is endangering health and performance. As the city recorded a bone-chilling minimum temperature of 4.4°C on Friday amid dense fog, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “hazardous” category, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The issue has moved beyond local concern, with prominent sports figures withdrawing from events, publicly criticising authorities, and warning of long-term health risks. Adding to the alarm, a high-profile corporate resignation has highlighted how pollution is affecting life far beyond stadiums.
We are slowly being poisoned and no one cares?
Shouldn’t solving this be the top priority ? pic.twitter.com/1qyZvPFLFq— Vidit Gujrathi (@viditchess) January 17, 2026
Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi’s Viral Protest
Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi became one of the most prominent voices on Friday after sharing screenshots of Delhi’s “hazardous” AQI levels on social media. “We are slowly being poisoned and no one cares? Shouldn’t solving this be the top priority?” Gujrathi wrote, triggering widespread debate.
His remarks struck a chord, reflecting growing frustration even among long-time residents accustomed to Delhi’s seasonal smog. For elite athletes, the concern goes beyond discomfort, raising fears about long-term respiratory damage.
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Badminton Stars Withdraw, Slam Tournament Conditions
The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 has emerged as a flashpoint. World No. 3 Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen withdrew from the tournament for the third consecutive year, citing “extreme pollution.” Despite facing a $5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation, Antonsen stood by his decision, stating that Delhi was “not a place to host a badminton tournament.”
Other international players echoed similar concerns. Danish player Mia Blichfeldt described the playing conditions as “dirty and unhealthy,” citing dust, cold indoor halls, and even pigeon droppings disrupting matches. Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew also raised concerns about declining stamina and energy levels, saying the polluted air was visibly affecting performance.
The Badminton Association of India has defended Delhi as a venue, calling the event a test run for the upcoming World Championships. However, repeated complaints and AQI readings consistently above 300 have intensified calls for reconsideration.
Beyond Sports: Corporate Exit Signals Deeper Impact
Delhi’s pollution woes are no longer confined to athletes. In December 2025, Rajkumar Bafna, President (Finance) of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, resigned from his position citing Delhi’s toxic air as the sole reason. In his resignation letter, Bafna said the pollution had made it impossible for him to continue working in the capital.
His decision sparked a wider conversation about talent flight, health-driven career choices, and the long-term economic cost of pollution in India’s capital.
A Growing Demand for Urgent Action
With vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, and seasonal crop burning continuing to choke the city, critics warn that Delhi risks becoming unliveable. Health experts point to rising respiratory illnesses, reduced lung capacity, and chronic diseases as long-term consequences.
While measures such as graded response plans and smog towers exist, enforcement gaps persist. Citizen groups and public figures are now demanding sustained structural reforms rather than seasonal firefighting.
As athletes withdraw and professionals walk away from high-paying jobs, the message is becoming harder to ignore. The outcry is no longer about sport or inconvenience—it is about health, dignity, and survival in one of the world’s most polluted capitals.
