The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has dismissed claims by Danish World No. 20 Mia Blichfeldt regarding the conditions at the 2026 India Open badminton tournament venue in New Delhi. BAI clarified that Blichfeldt’s remarks were about general playing conditions and not specifically about the Indira Gandhi Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium, where the tournament is being held.
BAI’s general secretary, Sanjay Mishra, stated that Blichfeldt’s comments were directed towards the KD Jadhav Stadium, the training venue, and not the main playing arena. The 2026 India Open, a BWF World Tour Super 750 event, commenced amidst controversy as Blichfeldt called for a review of the setup before the World Championships in August, also scheduled at the same venue.
Blichfeldt emphasized that her concerns were related to general playing conditions and personal health sensitivities, not the competition venue itself. Mishra highlighted that the playing arena is well-maintained, clean, and satisfactory for players, contrary to Blichfeldt’s assertions about the warm-up area at the training venue.
It is noted that Blichfeldt had previously raised similar issues about the India Open, citing smog and bird droppings as factors affecting her health post-event.
