'If This Was India…': Ashmita Chaliha calls out playing conditions at Indonesia Masters

Ashmita Chaliha posted an intriguing story on Instagram

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has questioned the playing conditions at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 after posting a video from the venue on her Instagram Story.

The clip appeared to show hazy, smog-like conditions inside the stadium, which the Indian shuttler used to contrast with how Indian tournaments are often scrutinised for air quality.

“Imagine if this tournament was held in India. There would’ve been so many complaints and controversies by now about the air quality/smoke/pollution. BTW,” Chaliha wrote in her post.

Chaliha is competing at the Indonesia Masters as the top seed in the women’s singles draw. She has had a strong run so far, reaching the quarter-finals with two straight wins.

ALSO READ: Ashmita Chaliha crowned women’s singles champion at Korea Masters 2026

In the Round of 32, the 26-year-old defeated Thailand’s Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-17, 23-21. She then beat Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei in three games in the pre-quarterfinals, winning 10-21, 21-10, 21-17.

Chaliha’s comments come at a time when Indian badminton competitions, particularly the India Open held in New Delhi, have faced repeated criticism over air quality, cold conditions, and venue hygiene.

Denmark’s Anders Antonsen withdrew from the 2026 India Open and accepted a fine over pollution concerns, while Mia Blichfeldt spoke publicly about hygiene issues at the same event.

But the recently organised World Championships in New Delhi were highly praised even though the on-court results did not fully match expectations. The event marked India’s first time hosting the World Championships in 17 years.

ALSO READ: BWF China Masters 2026: All you need to know — prize money, points on offer

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul spoke highly of the event, thanking the organisers, volunteers, government authorities, and fans for their contribution.

“What a week New Delhi has given us. India waited 17 years for this moment, and India made every year count,” Chaliha said. She also praised the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for delivering the tournament arena and credited the Badminton Association of India (BAI) for its role in organising the championships.

Coming back to Chaliha, she has had a season to remember thus far.

A strong season for Ashmita Chaliha

Chaliha’s results this year have been notable. On August 9, 2026, she became the first Indian shuttler to win the Korea Masters, defeating fourth seed Han Qianxi of China 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 to claim her first BWF World Tour Super 300 title.

Her current position as top seed at the Indonesia Masters Super 100, along with her progress to the quarter-finals, is strong going into the latter half of the season.

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