India Open 2026: World No. 3 Anders Antonsen highlights 'extreme pollution in Delhi' as reason behind pulling out
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Danish shuttler also revealed that BWF fined him USD 5,000 for withdrawing.
Delhi’s air pollution is once again at alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index crossing 500 on several days, and it has now become a growing concern within the sporting community as well. Badminton players from around the world have started raising issues.
After Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt complained about poor playing conditions at the ongoing BWF India Open 2026, the world No. 3 men’s singles star Anders Antonsen took an even stronger step by withdrawing from the tournament for the third consecutive year, citing Delhi’s air pollution as the reason.
The former world No. 2 made the announcement through a post on social media, explaining why he chose not to compete at the BWF World Tour Super 750 event, being held at Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi, India.
“Many is curious 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 thinks it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” he said via instargam story.
“Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the Summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result, BWF once again has fined me 5000usd,” Antonsen wrote.
The Danish shuttler’s comments have reignited the debate over playing conditions in the Indian capital, especially with Delhi set to host the BWF World Championships later this year. Antonsen also revealed that he has been fined USD 5,000 by the Badminton World Federation for pulling out of the tournament.
His criticism comes at a time when concerns over venue conditions at the India Open 2026 are already in focus, following comments from fellow Dane Mia Blichfeldt earlier this week.
Blichfeldt, who defeated Malaysia’s Chiu Pin-Chian 21-19, 21-11 in the opening round, criticised the playing conditions in a video shared by PTI, saying, “The conditions are really poor. It was dirty last year, and it is no different this year as well.
“I hope the BWF will seriously look into the venue conditions because this is not fit for players to compete in, especially if this venue is supposed to host something as big as the World Championships.”
However, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) later issued a clarification through its General Secretary Sanjay Mishra who claimed that Mia was referring to the training area not the playing arena.
“Mia’s comments were made in a broader context around general playing conditions and personal health sensitivities, and not about the playing arena at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open specifically. She has clearly stated that the competition venue itself is well maintained,” Mishra said.
“It is important to note that she was referring to the KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training venue, and not the main playing arena,” the BAI secretary added.
The four-time world champion Anderson began his 2026 season at the Malaysia Open, a BWF Super 1000 event, where he reached the semi-finals before his campaign ended with a 13–21, 14–21 loss to Shi Yuqi of China.
Speaking of Shi Yuqi, he has also withdrawn from the India Open, but due to injury. The Chinese star suffered the setback two days ago while playing the Malaysia Open final against Kunlavut Vitidsarn. He was forced to retire hurt with the score at 21–23, 1–6.
Why did Anders Antonsen withdraw from India Open 2026?
Anders Antonsen withdrew from the tournament citing extreme air pollution in Delhi, saying the conditions were not suitable to host a badminton event.
What did Anders Antonsen say about his withdrawal?
He stated that Delhi’s pollution made it unsafe to compete and added that he hopes conditions improve before the BWF World Championships later this year. He also revealed that BWF fined him USD 5,000 for pulling out.
What concerns did Mia Blichfeldt raise?
Mia Blichfeldt criticised the playing conditions after her first-round win, calling them “really poor” and saying they were not fit for players, especially ahead of major events like the World Championships.
Has any other top player withdrawn from the India Open?
Yes. China’s Shi Yuqi has also withdrawn, but due to injury suffered during the Malaysia Open final against Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
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Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.