2021 World Championship gold medallist Loh Kean Yew is in Delhi these days, as the 28-year-old shuttler from Singapore is competing in the India Open. He was in action against India’s HS Prannoy in the Round
of 16 match on Thursday (January 15) and secured a hard-fought win in three sets. After booking his place in the quarterfinals of the premier badminton tournament in India, Loh took a cheeky dig at Delhi’s weather while also stating that the extreme cold and pollution in the national capital are hurting players.
During the mixed zone interaction with reporters following his win over Prannoy, Loh was asked the reason behind his good record in India, and he said, “I don’t know, probably the weather here. Everyone’s stamina drops like two levels in these conditions with the haze going on.”
“I was good in Malaysia but my health has dropped a bit after landing here,” he added.
When asked how he is adapting to Delhi’s weather, Loh said, “I breathe less here and use a mask whenever I go out. Other than that, I try to stay indoors as much as possible. But there is nothing I can do.”
He also questioned how the media is managing to stay in such conditions. “Yeah, of course. Anyone would. I am surprised you guys (reporters) are okay,” he said.
In the match against Prannoy, Loh lost the opening set, but he chose not to blame the conditions. “I don’t think so. It’s kind of pretty much the same for all the players out there. When you are on court, all those things don’t really matter. It’s up to you what you want to do,” Prannoy said.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cold out here. But, after the first five minutes, you really don’t worry about it.”
