Denmark shuttler Anders Antonsen withdraws from India Open over Delhi air pollution

Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen has pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year, citing hazardous air pollution levels in New Delhi.

Antonsen justified his decision through an Instagram story, saying the extreme pollution in the national capital made it unsuitable to host an international badminton tournament. “Many are curious why I have pulled out of the India Open for the third year in a row. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” he wrote.

Antonsen added that he hopes conditions will improve ahead of the BWF World Championships, scheduled to be held in Delhi later this year. Antonsen also revealed that the Badminton World Federation has fined him USD 5,000 for withdrawing from the tournament.

Along with his statement, Antonsen shared a screenshot showing Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 348, a level classified as hazardous.

His withdrawal comes days after fellow Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt, currently ranked world No. 20, raised concerns about playing conditions at the tournament. Blichfeldt reportedly flagged issues related to dust and hygiene at the venue and urged the BWF to review preparations ahead of the upcoming World Championships.

The comments had prompted a swift response from the Badminton Association of India, which rejected allegations of poor conditions at the arena and maintained that the venue meets international standards.