Triathletes Raise Alarm on Threats Posed by Climate Change to Indian Sports

A growing concern about the impact of climate change on sports has been raised by top athletes in various disciplines. At a panel discussion during the United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, professional triathlete Pragnya Mohan warned that increasingly scorching summers in India are rendering it impossible for her to train there anymore.

Mohan, who has been a professional triathlete for over a decade, expressed her worry about the future of her sport as temperatures continue to rise. She stated that summers have become unbearable, forcing her to relocate to cooler climates like the United Kingdom for training.

However, Mohan's concerns went beyond heat, attributing it to the severe impact of climate change on triathlons. The Indian athlete highlighted a disturbing trend seen at this year's Paris Olympics, where heavy rains caused by a warming atmosphere disrupted some events due to high bacteria levels in the Seine River.

Climate change is also taking a toll on athletes' health, according to other panelists. Tina Muir, a former English elite runner, echoed Mohan's sentiments, warning that athletes are pushing themselves beyond their limits and risking long-term damage. "It's going to be almost like a war of attrition for many athletes," Muir cautioned, stressing that those who can handle the toughest conditions will have an advantage.

The discussion has sparked concerns about India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, with South China Post reporting that temperatures above 50 degrees could pose significant risks to the country's sporting ambitions. This highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impacts on sports and human health alike.