New Delhi: A day after compatriot Mia Blichfeldt criticised playing and training conditions in New Delhi, Antonsen explained his decision on Instagram, stating that the city’s air quality made it unsafe to compete. He shared a screenshot showing Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 348, categorised as hazardous. Antonsen had withdrawn from the tournament on January 4, ahead of the Malaysia Open, where he later reached the semifinals.
Antonsen’s comments come amid scrutiny over conditions at the IG Indoor Stadium, which is hosting the 2026 India Open. The tournament has moved to the larger arena from the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium within the same complex, as organisers prepare to use the India Open as a trial event ahead of the BWF World Championships scheduled to be held in Delhi in August. Antonsen said he hoped conditions would improve by then but also revealed that Badminton World Federation fined him USD 5,000 for pulling out of a mandatory event for top-ranked players.
Blichfeldt, currently ranked world No. 20, is competing at the India Open and reiterated concerns after her first-round win, saying she was unhappy with health conditions despite being satisfied with the court itself. She cited dirty floors, dust on courts, birds flying inside the arena and bird droppings as key issues. This marks the second consecutive year she has raised concerns, having made similar remarks after the 2025 edition about smog and unhygienic conditions affecting player preparation and health.
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Calling for greater oversight ahead of the World Championships, Blichfeldt urged the sport’s governing body to prioritise athlete welfare, noting that while the main arena is suitable for major events, overall conditions must improve.
Responding to the criticism, Badminton Association of India General Secretary Sanjay Mishra clarified that Blichfeldt’s remarks were not directed at the main playing arena. He stated that her concerns related to the warm-up and training facilities at the KD Jadhav Stadium and emphasised that the competition arena at the India Open met the required standards.
