New Delhi: Former World Champion Loh Kean Yew, 2021 gold medallist from Singapore, highlighted the extreme weather and pollution in Delhi as a challenge for players while competing in the India Open. The 28-year-old secured a hard-fought victory against India’s HS Prannoy in the Round of 16 on Thursday, winning in three sets to advance to the quarterfinals.
During a mixed zone interaction after the match, Loh commented on his performance in India, attributing his strong record in part to the conditions affecting stamina. “I don’t know, probably the weather here. Everyone’s stamina drops like two levels in these conditions with the haze going on,” he said.
On coping with Delhi’s harsh conditions, Loh added, “I breathe less here and use a mask whenever I go out. Other than that, I try to stay indoors as much as possible. But there is nothing I can do.” He also expressed surprise at how the media manages to stay out in the pollution and cold. “Yeah, of course. Anyone would. I am surprised you guys (reporters) are okay,” he said.
In the match against Prannoy, Loh lost the opening set but quickly recovered to claim the next two. Prannoy noted that environmental conditions affect all players equally on court. “I don’t think so. It’s kind of pretty much the same for all the players out there. When you are on court, all those things don’t really matter. It’s up to you what you want to do,” he said.
Despite acknowledging the challenges, Loh said that the cold becomes less of a factor after initial minutes on court. “Yeah, it’s pretty cold out here. But, after the first five minutes, you really don’t worry about it,” he added.
Loh’s candid remarks shed light on the difficulties athletes face while competing in Delhi, with extreme weather and air quality being an added test of endurance at the India Open.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
