Star Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt wrote a long note on Instagram slamming the ‘unacceptable’ conditions at the ongoing India Open, for the second time in three days, saying that her stay in the country over the past few days was tougher than she expected.
Blichfeldt has been at the centre of debate ever since she criticised the playing conditions at the new venue of Indira Gandhi Stadium, saying that the shift in halls has done little to address the ‘unhealthy surroundings’ for players.
After losing in straight games to seventh-seed Ratchanok Intanon on Thursday in the women’s singles second round, Blichfeldt presumably left India on Friday, but not before criticising the India Open organisers yet again.
“The past few days in India have been
tough, tougher than I honestly expected. I had mentally prepared myself for ‘the worst’ once again, but the conditions surrounding us are simply unacceptable and highly unprofessional,” Blichfeldt wrote on Instagram.
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“We are here to perform and to stay focused on our preparations, both on and off the court. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, it becomes extremely difficult to focus solely on competing and delivering our best performance,” Blichfeldt said.
“Everyone is stressed and frustrated by the conditions we are being met with at a World Tour Super 750 event. At first, you try to laugh it off, but in the end, it is neither funny nor fair to the players or anyone participating in this event,” Blichfeldt added.
Blichfeldt also posted a picture of bird droppings on the practice court.
The Badminton Association of India has moved this year’s India Open Super 750 to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from the KD Jadhav hall, keeping in mind the World Championships in August, which the nation will be hosting after 17 years.
Blichfeldt had earlier said that she had hoped the change of venue would lead to tangible improvements, but found the conditions unchanged.
