Amid the measures being undertaken by the Government to control pollution in Delhi, the 69th National School Games were concluded a day before schedule. The event began on December 12 and was supposed to conclude on the 17th. The swimming competition saw school-level girls under the age groups of 14, 17 and 19 participating at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex.
As per the reports from the officials, pollution-control measures are ongoing in the capital until 31 December because of which large gatherings and certain events have also been limited. The air quality in Delhi has been accounted as very poor and severe, which has led to such initiatives being taken to prevent it.
Informing about the event notice, a senior official said, “The Education department, GNCTD was tasked with the responsibility of conducting school nationals for swimming. We had booked the Talkatora indoor stadium as it was already in an area with better AQI.”
“Further the department had procured and installed six air purifiers inside the stadium to ensure that the air quality was maintained. Considering the pollution, the department with the consent of all coaches and managers shortened the schedule to ensure that the events finish quickly,” he also added.
Similarly, the ninth edition of the National Boxing Championship was also postponed for four days. The tournament was originally set to take place from December 31, 2025, to January 6, 2026, at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. As per the revised schedule, the event will now take place from January 4 to 10.
Other events in the National School Games
Earlier, the 69th National School Games 2025 of the Under-17 Boys & Girls Boxing event was inaugurated by the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on October 28, 2025, at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium, Itanagar. In 71 years of the School Games Federation of India, Arunachal has hosted the event for the very first time, making it a remarkable moment and pride for the state.
The event saw over 908 boxers across India, including 24 states, seven union territories and eight independent teams in participation. In this national competition, Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSSPS) boxer Kanishka Kumari Gorai, participating in the 63kg weight category, gave a brilliant performance to secure a bronze medal.
Meanwhile, the 69th National School Games (SGFI) U-19 Taekwondo Championships were held at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, from November 15 to 18, 2025. Babita Kumari, another JSSPS player, bagged the bronze medal in the U-40kg event.
(Inputs sourced from The Bridge)
