Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt has doubled down on her criticism of the India Open Super 750, taking to Instagram on Friday, January 16 to once again slam the organisers over what she described as poor and unacceptable playing conditions.
Blichfeldt, who had raised concerns about the tournament last year as well, had earlier complained about hygiene issues inside the arena, claiming there were bird droppings in the training area at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Since her remarks, several players have spoken out about the conditions at the Delhi venue.
Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, currently ranked world No. 10, highlighted the severe pollution levels in the capital. The former world champion said players’ energy levels had dropped significantly and added that he wears a mask whenever possible to protect himself from pollutants.
The criticism triggered a backlash against the Badminton Association of India (BAI), which has since moved into damage-control mode. The organisers acknowledged the concerns in an official statement, promising to learn from the issues and improve conditions ahead of the BWF World Championships scheduled to be held in Delhi later this year.
However, Blichfeldt renewed her criticism on Friday, questioning whether the city even had the capability to host an event of that magnitude. Calling the conditions “unacceptable” and “highly unprofessional,” she said she was relieved that the issue was finally receiving attention.
“The past few days in India have been tough — tougher than I honestly expected. I had mentally prepared myself for ‘the worst’ once again, but the conditions surrounding us are simply unacceptable and highly unprofessional,” Blichfeldt wrote on Instagram.
“We are here to perform and stay focused on our preparations, both on and off the court. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, it becomes extremely difficult to focus solely on competing and delivering our best performance,” she added.
“Everyone is stressed and frustrated by the conditions we are being met with at a World Tour Super 750 event. At first, you try to laugh it off, but in the end, it is neither funny nor fair to the players or anyone participating in this event,” she said.
“I’m glad that this issue is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Sadly, under the current circumstances, I find it very difficult to see how a World Championship could be held here,” Blichfeldt concluded.
Anders Antonsen Pulls Out
World No. 2 shuttler Anders Antonsen, another player who comes from Denmark had earlier pulled out of the competition citing ‘extreme pollution’. He had taken to social media to reveal his reason.
“Many are curious as to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the 3rd consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think 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 had shared.
BAI Secretary: Critics Will Regret Doubts
Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay Mishra acknowledged the issues in an interview with India Today and stated that the new conditions of the India Open was being tested for the World Championships. Mishra expressed confidence that the World Championships in August would feel like a festival, fulfilling players and fans.
The issues highlight cracks in India’s growing ambition of hosting the Olympics in 2036. The country has been marred by multiple organisational issues in the recent past, but the authorities have not done enough to even acknowledge the issues, let alone address them.
The BAI, in a long statement stated that they were going to find ways to solve problems so that they can host a seamless World Championships later next year.
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