Four-time world championship medallist shuttler Anders Antonsen from Denmark disclosed that he is skipping the BWF India Open for the third consecutive year citing Delhi’s severe pollution. Antonsen expressed concerns about the unsuitable environment for hosting a badminton tournament in Delhi due to the extreme pollution levels.
The 28-year-old athlete remains hopeful for better conditions during the BWF Badminton World Championships scheduled for August in Delhi. Antonsen mentioned his anticipation for improved air quality during the summer event.
Antonsen’s decision to withdraw has led to a USD 5,000 fine imposed by the Badminton World Federation. He highlighted the financial penalty as a consequence of his absence from the tournament.
Antonsen’s withdrawal coincided with complaints from fellow Danish player Mia Blichfeldt regarding hygiene conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The Badminton Association of India refuted Blichfeldt’s claims, clarifying that her concerns were related to general playing conditions and not the specific playing arena for the BWF World Tour Super 750 event.
The India Open, a BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament, has shifted to a larger venue at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex from the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall this year. This relocation marks a significant change for the tournament.
The India Open serves as a preparatory event for the prestigious BWF World Championships 2026, which will be the second time India hosts the Badminton World Championships after the 2009 edition held at Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. The tournament holds significance as a lead-up to the upcoming championship.
Mia Blichfeldt had previously raised similar concerns about the India Open last year, attributing her illness to the dense smog in India and bird droppings inside the stadium. Her health issues post-event were linked to environmental factors.
