Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt has once again criticised the India Open Super 750, taking to Instagram on Friday, January 16, to slam the organisers over what she called “unacceptable” and “highly unprofessional” playing conditions.
Blichfeldt, who had raised concerns about the tournament last year as well, highlighted issues including hygiene problems at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, such as bird droppings in the training area. Several players have since echoed concerns about the conditions in Delhi, including Singapore’s world No. 10 Loh Kean Yew, who pointed to the city’s severe pollution and its impact on energy levels, adding that he wears a mask whenever possible.
The criticism prompted a backlash against the Badminton Association of India (BAI), which acknowledged the issues and promised improvements ahead of the BWF World Championships scheduled in Delhi later this year.
In her latest comments, Blichfeldt questioned whether Delhi was capable of hosting an event of such magnitude, stating that the conditions made it extremely difficult for players to focus and perform. “Everyone is stressed and frustrated… it is neither funny nor fair to the players,” she wrote, adding that she was relieved the issue was finally receiving attention.
Earlier, world No. 2 Anders Antonsen also pulled out of the competition citing “extreme pollution,” expressing doubts over the city’s readiness for tournaments and noting that he had been fined $5,000 by BWF.
BAI Secretary Sanjay Mishra acknowledged the problems but expressed confidence that the World Championships in August would be successfully hosted, describing it as a festival-like event for players and fans. The ongoing issues highlight challenges in India’s growing ambitions to host major international sporting events, including its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
The BAI has stated that it is actively working to resolve the problems to ensure a smooth World Championships next year.
