Badminton Association of India general secretary Sanjay Mishra clapped back at criticism over the condition at the India Open 2026 after Danish shuttlers Anders Antonsen and Mia Blichfeldt flagged concerns
over the arrangements made at the event.
Mishra voiced that a majority of the shuttlers were appreciative of the arrangements made at the event held as a test ahead of the World Championships, slated to be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
“This event is a test event for us before the BWF World Championships. Everyone has appreciated the wooden flooring and playing area here, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium,” Mishra said.
“There are no issues with accommodation or transport. Mia has some issues with dust and allergies, we can’t say anything about that,” he continued.
“Players and coaches have appreciated the work BAI has put into this tournament. Regarding complaints about the cold weather, we installed additional heaters and increased the number of heaters,” the gen. sec. clarified.
“We will talk to BWF about their requirements and will do everything. This way, World Championships will be organised well,” Mishra said.
Blichfeldt’s criticism was followed by Anders Antonsen’s withdrawal from the event citing the level of pollution in the Capital City, which resulted in a fine of 5000 USD.
Mishra slammed the World No.3 for his comments over conditions prevalent in the Capital City and revealed that his reason for dropping out of the event wasn’t accepted by the BWF.
“He can’t comment on the conditions here while sitting in Denmark. His reason for withdrawal was not accepted by BWF, and he was fined.”
“There is no place for politics in this sport. It is wrong to support those who criticise our nation from abroad,” he added.
“Many are curious 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 think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” Antonsen said explaining his decision.
