World number three Anders Antonsen has once again chosen to stay away from the India Open Super 750, saying that severe air pollution in New Delhi makes it an unsuitable venue for an international badminton tournament.
The Danish star announced his decision on Wednesday through an Instagram post, explaining that environmental conditions in the Indian capital pose serious health risks and should not be accepted at the highest level of the sport.
“Many are curious as to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” the 28-year-old wrote.
Despite opting out, Antonsen said he hopes conditions will improve later in the year, when the same venue is scheduled to host the BWF Badminton World Championships in August.
His remarks come at a time when the India Open is already facing scrutiny over venue conditions. Earlier, fellow Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt raised concerns about hygiene and cleanliness at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Blichfeldt said the situation inside the arena had not improved since last year and described the environment as unfit for elite competition. She highlighted unhygienic conditions around the courts, including dirt and bird droppings, and recalled an incident on a warm-up court that she said was unhealthy and unacceptable.
The criticism has increased pressure on organizers, as the India Open is being treated as a test event ahead of the 2026 BWF World Championships at the same venue.
