“Slowly Being Poisoned”: Vidit Gujrathi Slams Delhi’s Toxic Air

Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi sparked widespread concern on January 17, 2026, by highlighting Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels in a strongly worded post on X. Sharing screenshots showing the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the “very poor” to “hazardous” range, he wrote, “We are slowly being poisoned and no one cares? Shouldn’t solving this be the top priority?” His comments came as the national capital woke up to yet another smog-choked morning, with dense fog reducing visibility and exacerbating health risks for residents.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s AQI stood at 376 at 9 am on Saturday, firmly in the “very poor” category (301-400), where prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory issues even among healthy individuals. The 24-hour average had deteriorated from 354 the previous evening, reflecting the persistent winter pollution crisis driven by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and unfavorable weather conditions trapping pollutants. Gujrathi’s post resonated widely, drawing attention to the long-term health implications of breathing toxic air daily.

The grandmaster’s outburst follows similar concerns raised by international athletes. Just days earlier, world No. 3 Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen withdrew from the ongoing Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 in New Delhi, citing extreme pollution as unfit for competition. Antonsen, fined by the Badminton World Federation for his decision, shared AQI readings around 348 described as “hazardous” and expressed hope for improvement ahead of the BWF World Championships later in the year. Such high-profile withdrawals underscore how Delhi’s air quality deters global sporting events and affects visitors’ well-being.

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Gujrathi’s call for urgent action echoes growing public frustration over recurring winter smog episodes that turn the capital into one of the world’s most polluted cities. Experts warn that sustained exposure to high PM2.5 levels can cause irreversible lung damage, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy. While authorities have implemented measures like odd-even vehicle schemes, construction bans, and anti-stubble burning campaigns, critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent and insufficient to tackle root causes effectively.

As the post gains traction online, it has amplified demands for stronger policy interventions and accountability from Delhi’s administration. Vidit Gujrathi’s voice, coming from a prominent sports figure who frequently visits or resides in the city, adds weight to the chorus urging immediate and sustained efforts to combat pollution. With winter far from over, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize clean air as a public health imperative in India’s capital.

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