Kunlavut Vitidsarn Enjoys India Open Challenge Amid Health Concerns Raised by Peers

Thailand world No. 2 shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn said he loves competing in India after coming through a tough Round of 64 match against Japan's Koki Watanabe at the India Open Super 750 in New Delhi on Wednesday. Vitidsarn's comments offered a contrasting narrative to recent concerns about conditions at the event, highlighting his appreciation for the fans, venue and atmosphere.

Vitidsarn, who edged out Watanabe in a three-set battle 21-19, 25-23, 21-10 to progress in the men's singles draw, spoke to reporters after the victory about his affection for playing in the country. "I feel so excited to play in the big stadium. It's really nice. it's difficult to control the shuttle, but everything else was nice," he said, calling India "a beautiful

place" with many fans and "very good guys," and adding that he enjoys playing there.

His remarks provide a welcome boost to the tournament's broader narrative, especially given some of the off-court discussions swirling around the India Open this week.

The Super 750 event, a key stop on the BWF World Tour, is being used in part as a test run for the upcoming BWF World Championships in Delhi later this year, and organisers have shifted the venue to the larger Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium to accommodate greater crowds.

Vitidsarn contradicts India Open concerns

Vitidsarn's positive assessment comes amid pointed criticism from Danes Anders Antonsen and Mia Blichfeldt, who have both spoken publicly about health-related concerns surrounding the India Open.

Antonsen, the men's singles world No. 3, pulled out of the India Open Super 750 for the third consecutive year, citing Delhi's hazardous air quality and questioning whether the city was currently suitable to host a top-tier badminton event. In a social media post, he also revealed that his withdrawal had resulted in a USD 5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation, as the tournament is mandatory for top-ranked players.

Blichfeldt, meanwhile, competed at the event but flagged what she described as "unhealthy" surroundings, particularly in training and warm-up areas. While the women's singles player clarified that she was satisfied with the match courts at the IGI Stadium, she raised concerns over cold and dusty conditions away from the main arena, saying they made proper warm-up difficult and could increase the risk of illness or injury.

Together, their remarks have brought renewed attention to off-court factors at the tournament, even as organisers maintain that the competition venue itself meets international standards.

Vitidsarn's warm assessment of India adds a positive counterpoint to narratives focused solely on conditions or challenges at the venue, and underscores how top players balance competitive grit with respect for host crowds and environments.

With the tournament still in its early rounds, his progress will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike as the season's first major Super 750 event unfolds.