How toxic air is impacting India’s athletes: ‘Eye irritation causes blurring, impacts a shot,’ says national shooting coach Deepali Deshpande

India's athletes are facing a formidable opponent beyond their usual competition: toxic air. National shooting coach Deepali Deshpande has raised concerns about the detrimental effects of air pollution on athletes' health and performance. Eye irritation, a frequent symptom of poor air quality, is particularly troubling for shooters, as it can lead to blurring and directly impact their precision and accuracy during competitions. The health implications extend beyond immediate performance issues. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to more serious respiratory problems, which could compromise athletes' overall fitness and stamina. Deshpande emphasizes the need for urgent measures to protect athletes, suggesting that improved air quality standards and indoor training facilities could mitigate some of the adverse effects. These environmental challenges are not isolated to shooting; they reflect a broader issue affecting all outdoor sports in India. As athletes prepare for international events, maintaining optimal health is crucial. The call for action is clear: addressing air pollution is not just an environmental imperative but a necessary step to safeguard the future of Indian sports on the global stage.

— Authored by Next24 Live