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Star Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen followed compatriot Mia Blichfeldt in criticising the India Open, saying that the environmental woes in Delhi make it unfit to host a badminton tournament, adding that it was the reason why he pulled out of the event for a third consecutive year.
Antonsen won the bronze medal at the World Championships last year and with the tournament all set to be held in Delhi this year, it needs to be seen whether he turns up for it.
In an Instagram story post, Antonsen revealed that Delhi’s severe pollution was the main reason for his withdrawal from the tournament, adding that the world badminton body had fined him USD 5,000 for pulling out.
“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,” Antonsen wrote on his Instagram story.
On Tuesday, Blichfeldt renewed criticism of the playing conditions at the new IG Stadium venue, claiming the change in halls did little to improve the ‘unhealthy surroundings’ for players, a charge denied by the Badminton Association of India.
The BAI has shifted this year’s India Open Super 750 to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from KD Jadhav Hall, with an eye on hosting the World Championships in August, the first time India will host the event in 17 years.
The Danish world No. 20, who has progressed to the second round, said that she had hoped the venue change would bring noticeable improvements, but found the conditions remained the same.
In his rebuttal, BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said, “I heard the voice recording, also read the statement, both are contradictory. In voice recording, she appreciated, but what I read was all negative.”
