CWG 2010: Pollution watch

Despite all the efforts by authorities who are working overtime to make the capital cleaner and greener before the Commonwealth Games, the high levels of air pollution in the city might be a cause of discomfort to the visiting athletes.

With massive construction activities as a build-up to the 2010 sporting event, the city air is getting more and more polluted which the sport persons from many Commonwealth countries might find uncomfortable, according to health experts.

"Athletes, who breathe deeper and longer, can find themselves very uncomfortable. Higher level of suspended material could increase their stress level, and in turn affect their performance," said Dr A K Sood, senior health expert at Rockland Hospitals.

With Delhi government trying to advertise the games as 'GREEN' games, pollution poses a big challenge. Also, more troublesome is the fact that its SPM which immediately hinders with the respiration is at the most dangerous level. It is to be seen whether pollution actually impacts the performance of start like Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis if they make an appearance.