New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) Four-time world championship medallist shuttler Anders Antonsen from Denmark disclosed that his decision to withdraw from the BWF India Open for the third consecutive year is attributed to Delhi’s extreme pollution.

“Many are wondering why I have opted out of the India Open for the third year running. Given the severe pollution in Delhi at this time, I believe it is not a suitable venue for a badminton tournament,” Antonsen stated on his Instagram account.

The 28-year-old also expressed optimism for better conditions when the venue hosts the BWF Badminton World Championships in August. He mentioned, “I’m hoping that the situation improves by summer when the World Championship occurs in Delhi.”

Antonsen, who last participated in the India Open in 2023 and was eliminated in the second round, noted that his withdrawal has incurred a USD 5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation. “Consequently, BWF has once again fined me USD 5000,” he concluded.

His withdrawal came shortly after his fellow countrywoman, Mia Blichfeldt, raised concerns about the hygiene conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. However, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) dismissed her claims, asserting that her remarks pertained to general playing conditions and not the arena for the BWF World Tour Super 750 event.

This year, the India Open, classified as a BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament, transitioned from the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall to the significantly larger multi-purpose hall within the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.

This tournament serves as a preparatory event for the prestigious BWF World Championships 2026. This will mark India’s second time hosting the Badminton World Championships, the first being in 2009 at Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.

It’s worth noting that Blichfeldt had previously raised similar concerns regarding the India Open last year, attributing her illness post-event to dense smog in India and bird droppings inside the stadium.