World No.3 badminton star Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the India Open 2026 in New Delhi, citing extreme air pollution as the reason. The Danish shuttler criticized the hazardous conditions, shared Delhi’s alarming AQI levels, and accepted a $5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for his decision.
The India Open 2026, a prestigious BWF World Tour Super 750 event, has been hit by controversy after World No.3 Anders Antonsen of Denmark announced his withdrawal due to severe air pollution in New Delhi. Antonsen, a four-time World Championships medallist, made the announcement on social media, sharing screenshots of Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) and calling the conditions “extreme” and unsuitable for professional play.
Key highlights include:
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Health concerns: Antonsen emphasized that the hazardous air posed serious risks to athletes’ health and performance, making participation untenable.
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Financial penalty: His withdrawal attracted a $5,000 fine from the BWF, underscoring the strict rules governing player commitments at major tournaments.
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Recurring issue: This marks the third consecutive year Antonsen has skipped the India Open due to pollution, raising questions about the suitability of Delhi as a host city.
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Wider criticism: The decision follows fellow Dane Mia Blichfeldt’s complaints about unhygienic playing conditions, including dust and pigeon droppings at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
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Organizers’ defense: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has defended the tournament’s arrangements, but the incident has sparked debate over environmental challenges impacting global sporting events in India.
Antonsen’s withdrawal highlights the growing intersection of sports and environmental issues, as athletes increasingly demand safer and healthier playing conditions. With India aiming to host more international tournaments, the controversy underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to pollution and venue management.
Sources: Zee News, Times Now, Livemint, Sportstar