The Delhi Government has reported to the Delhi High Court that all events of the Delhi State School Games (DSSG) will be completed by October 2026. This decision aims to ensure that sporting activities are finished prior to the onset of the severe winter pollution season that typically affects the region. The court officially noted this commitment, along with the revised sports schedule, leading to the disposal of a petition that requested a ban on outdoor events during months characterised by high pollution levels.

Details of the Revised Sports Schedule

During the court proceedings, the government presented a status affidavit from the Department of Education, supplemented by a new circular issued by its Sports Branch, which detailed the updated timeline for the school games. The lawyer representing the government highlighted that the adjustments made in the sports calendar effectively responded to the concerns raised by petitioners, including a group of minor students. The revised schedule ensures that all sports events conclude before the winter season when air quality typically deteriorates.

The recent circular from the Directorate of Education’s Sports Branch outlined a tentative timeline for the Delhi State School Games. This schedule was developed after taking various factors into account, such as anticipated air pollution levels during winter, earlier judicial directions, academic obligations, and the concurrent schedule of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). The government aims to ensure a safe environment for all participating students.

The circular mandates that Supervisors of Physical Education (SPEs) must conclude zonal competitions before the state-level events and submit details of the qualified teams and players at least seven days prior to the start of scheduled competitions. Additionally, it insists that all entries must undergo verification before they are submitted. The Directorate has also specified that all teams and individual winners advancing from the zonal rounds must take part in the DSSG while adhering to eligibility criteria.

Concerns Regarding Outdoor Sports During High Pollution

The petition that led to the recent legal proceedings was filed by a group of minor students. They sought the court’s intervention to prevent the Delhi Government from hosting outdoor sports events during the winter months characterised by elevated levels of air pollution. The petitioners argued that such activities pose significant health risks to children, particularly during periods of severe air quality deterioration.

Prior to the resolution of this matter, Justice Sachin Datta had presided over an earlier hearing where he remarked that children should not be compelled to engage in outdoor sports during times of considerable air pollution. He directed the authorities to make necessary amendments to the annual sports calendar to safeguard the health of the participating youngsters. The newly presented schedule to the court was accepted as a satisfactory measure to tackle the issues raised by the petitioners.

In light of the government’s assurances and the thoroughly revised sports calendar, the Delhi High Court has now formally closed the petition. The alterations are expected to significantly benefit students in terms of both their health and sports participation, particularly amidst rising concerns over air quality in the capital.

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