“Not a Place to Host a Tournament”: Anders Antonsen Withdraws from India Open Over Delhi Pollution
By State Correspondents News Desk |
In a major setback for the **India Open 2026 Super 750** event, World No. 3 and four‑time World Championship medallist Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the tournament, openly blaming Delhi’s “extreme” air pollution for his decision. The Danish star announced on social media that this is the **third consecutive year** he has skipped the India Open and reiterated that, in its current state, Delhi is “not a place to host a badminton tournament”.
“Extreme Pollution” and a $5,000 Fine
Antonsen shared a screenshot of Delhi’s Air Quality Index, showing readings around **AQI 348 in the “hazardous” band**, and said he preferred to protect his lungs rather than compete under such conditions. Under Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules, top players are required to appear at Super 750 events, and Antonsen confirmed he has been fined **5,000 USD** yet again for pulling out but added that “no amount of money is worth risking long‑term health”.
Key Facts from the India Open Pollution Row
- Event: Yonex‑Sunrise India Open 2026, Super 750, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
- Reason cited: “Extreme pollution in Delhi… I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament” – Anders Antonsen on Instagram.
- Penalty: BWF fines the Dane USD 5,000 for missing a mandatory event, third year in a row.
Other Players Flag “Unhealthy” Conditions
Antonsen’s pull‑out comes barely a day after compatriot **Mia Blichfeldt** criticised the environment around the venue, calling warm‑up areas “very dirty” and the surroundings “really unhealthy conditions for all the players,” even as she praised the main match courts. She cited dust, bird droppings and low indoor temperatures as additional worries and urged organisers to fix these issues before Delhi stages the **World Championships** later this year.
The **Badminton Association of India (BAI)** has disputed some of the criticism, insisting that protocols are being followed and that players’ safety remains a priority, but Antonsen’s decision has renewed debate over whether winter‑time Delhi should continue to host marquee global events. With one of the tournament’s marquee names missing and pollution again under the spotlight, sports authorities are under pressure to balance India’s ambitions as a badminton hub with the basic health concerns of visiting athletes.
