Sports Activities Banned in Delhi-NCR Schools for Two Months; CAQM Issues Directives

In view of air quality concerns, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh not to conduct physical sports activities in schools during November and December 2026.

The schedule for physical sports activities in Delhi-NCR schools during November and December of this year may undergo changes. Considering air quality levels, the CAQM has instructed the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to avoid holding physical sports activities and competitions in schools during November and December 2026. In its advisory, the CAQM stated that even pre-scheduled competitions for these two months could be rescheduled to different dates as necessary. Authorities have also been asked to take the prevailing air quality at the event venue into account.

Decision Taken in the Interest of Children's Health

The CAQM took this step in response to the poor and severe air quality conditions experienced in Delhi-NCR during the winter season. This issue had previously been raised in the Supreme Court, which had expressed health-related concerns regarding children participating in physical sports competitions amidst poor air quality. On November 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the CAQM to issue appropriate guidelines to postpone sports activities scheduled in Delhi-NCR schools during November and December. Following this, the CAQM held meetings with relevant education and sports officials to take action on the matter.

No Physical Sports Activities in November and December

In the new advisory issued for 2026, the CAQM has instructed the four states not to plan physical sports activities or competitions for November and December. Competitions already included in the calendar may be rescheduled to later dates. However, this does not mean that sports will be completely halted in schools; the directive primarily focuses on rescheduling the timing of physical sports activities and competitions during this period. Decisions regarding events may be made based on the air quality at the specific venue. 

Ensuring students do not suffer due to the postponement of competitions

The CAQM has also stated that students should not be disadvantaged by changes to competition schedules. Students unable to participate in competitions held on the originally scheduled dates should not face any unfair academic or sporting disadvantage. If necessary, consideration may be given to providing them with another opportunity to participate in similar activities at an appropriate time.

Advisory issued to educational and sports institutions

The CAQM has communicated this directive to the Department of Education, the Sports Authority of India, the School Games Federation of India, and relevant pollution control bodies. Schools and concerned authorities are required to review physical sports activities proposed for November and December and, if necessary, reschedule them based on air quality conditions.