World No. 2 Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen revealed on social media that he skipped the India Open 2026 in Delhi due to extreme air pollution, marking his third consecutive withdrawal from the tournament. He added that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) fined him USD 5,000 for pulling out.
Antonsen’s comments came a day after fellow Dane Mia Blichfeldt raised concerns over unhygienic training conditions in Delhi, highlighting dirt, bird droppings, and cold temperatures in the warm-up areas at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, though she praised the main courts at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Blichfeldt urged the BWF to review the facilities ahead of the World Championships later this year.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) defended the venue, stating the main arena was clean, well-maintained, and free from pigeons, and clarified that Blichfeldt’s concerns were limited to training and warm-up areas. While players generally expressed satisfaction with the main competition conditions, the BWF has yet to comment on the raised issues.
The India Open is being hosted at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium for the first time, having previously taken place at the nearby KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. The event has sparked renewed discussion on player safety and tournament facilities ahead of the World Championships in India, returning after 16 years.
