New Delhi: Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew has raised concerns over Delhi’s air quality during the ongoing India Open Super 750, admitting that pollution has had a visible impact on players’ stamina and breathing.
Speaking after his match, Loh said the conditions in the national capital were difficult to cope with, remarking that he felt he was “breathing less” while competing. As reported by India Today, the world-class shuttler added that the poor air has led to a noticeable dip in overall energy levels among players.
“Everyone’s energy level is down,” Loh was quoted as saying by India Today. “Compared to tournaments like Malaysia, it feels like the stamina drops by two levels here.”
The Singaporean also revealed that he has been taking precautions off court, including wearing a mask and limiting outdoor exposure, to deal with the pollution, according to the India Today report.
Loh’s comments come amid growing concerns from international players over Delhi’s winter air quality. Earlier, Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen withdrew from the tournament citing “extreme pollution,” sparking a wider debate on player health and hosting conditions, as noted by India Today.
While tournament organisers have maintained that the event meets international standards, Loh’s remarks underline the physical challenges elite athletes face when competing in heavily polluted environments.
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