Top Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen, currently ranked world No. 3 in men's singles, has withdrawn from the India Open Super 750 in New Delhi, citing extreme air pollution as his reason. 

 

The Danish shuttler shared a screenshot showing the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 348, which falls into the hazardous category. 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.

 

 

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 Indian media.

 

"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 Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 is taking place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from January 13 to 18. 

 

The Super 750 tournament features 256 players from 20 countries competing for a total prize purse of $950,000. The event serves as a crucial preparation for players ahead of the BWF World Championships scheduled at the same venue in August 2026.