New Delhi : In a dramatic turn at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament, Denmark’s world No. 3 Anders Antonsen has pulled out of the event, citing “extreme pollution” in New Delhi as the decisive factor in his choice to skip the competition.
Antonsen took to Instagram early Wednesday to explain his decision, saying:
“Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament.”
The decision — Antonsen’s third consecutive year withdrawing from the India Open for the same reason — has sparked fresh debate over player safety and the timing of major sporting events in India’s capital, which is known for hazardous air quality during winter months.
Health Over Rankings
Antonsen also shared a screenshot of Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reading around 348 — classified as “hazardous” — to back his decision.
While top-ranked shuttlers are usually required to play in Super 750 events under Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules, Antonsen’s withdrawal has earned him a USD 5,000 fine from the federation.
“Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships take place in Delhi,” Antonsen added, indicating his hope that conditions improve ahead of the bigger event slated for August.
Bigger Backdrop: Smog and Player Concerns
Delhi’s notorious smog — worsened by vehicle emissions, construction dust and neighbouring agricultural fires — regularly pushes AQI into dangerous territory during winter, often prompting school closures and vehicle restrictions.
Antonsen isn’t the only Dane to voice concerns at this edition of the India Open. Fellow Danish player Mia Blichfeldt also criticised the tournament conditions, calling some areas “unhealthy” and claiming issues such as dirt and even birds inside practice zones.
What It Means for the India Open
The India Open is being used as a test-event for the upcoming BWF World Championships, to be held later this year at the same Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Organisers will now be under pressure to address not just pollution concerns but also playing and training environment feedback from international athletes.
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