Anders Antonsen pulls out of India Open citing extreme pollution after compatriot flags poor playing conditions

Top Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen, currently ranked world No. 3 in men’s singles, has pulled out of the India Open Super 750 in New Delhi, citing extreme air pollution as his reason. This marks the third consecutive year that Antonsen has skipped the tournament.

The Danish shuttler also shared a screenshot showing the air quality index (AQI) at 348, which is considered hazardous. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has fined him $5,000 for skipping the event.

“Many is curious to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment I don’t thinks it’s a place to host a badminton tournament. Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the Summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result BWF once again has fined me 5000 USD,” Antonsen wrote on his Instagram story.

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Antonsen’s compatriot slams playing conditions in New Delhi

Antonsen’s decision follows similar concerns raised by his compatriot, Mia Blichfeldt. The world No. 20, who reached the Round of 16 in the tournament, complained about poor health conditions. She pointed out that the training venue remained cold, dusty, and unhygienic, making warm-ups and preparation difficult.

“I am happy with the court conditions but not with health conditions. I actually hoped it was going to be better than the other hall. I think it’s still very dirty and really unhealthy conditions for all the players. Everyone is warming up in two layers of pants and winter jackets and gloves and hats,” Blichfeldt told reporters.

“It’s not good warm-up preparation for a player who has to go on court and move fast and go in splits. I know everyone is doing their best to make the conditions better for the players, but I think there is still a way to go,” she added.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has responded to the criticism. Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said Blichfeldt’s concerns were mainly about the training area, and not the competition courts, which were kept clean.

“She has clearly stated that the competition venue itself is well maintained. As mentioned in her conversation regarding the warm-up area, it is important to note that she was referring to the KD Jadhav Stadium, which is the training venue, and not the main playing arena,” Mishra was quoted as saying in an official release.

“As an athlete who is more sensitive to dust and environmental factors, she was sharing a personal perspective on how conditions can sometimes impact her health. The playing arena has been kept clean, dirt-free and pigeon-free, and several players have expressed satisfaction with the conditions at the venue,” he added.