World No. 3 Anders Antonsen has clarified his decision to withdraw from the ongoing India Open Super 750 in New Delhi, citing concerns over the city’s deteriorating air quality.
The Danish shuttler, a four-time BWF World Championships medalist, broke his silence on Wednesday after pulling out of the tournament for the third consecutive year. Antonsen stated that Delhi’s extreme pollution levels made it unsuitable to host an international badminton event at this time.
Posting on his Instagram story, Antonsen wrote:
“Many are curious as to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the 3rd 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. Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi.”
He added that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) had fined him USD 5,000 for the withdrawal.
Under BWF regulations, players classified as “Top Committed Players”—the top 15 singles players and top 10 doubles pairs—are required to compete in World Tour 750, World Tour 1000 events and the World Tour Finals, unless they are granted a medical or injury exemption. Failure to participate without an accepted exemption results in fines beyond standard late withdrawal penalties.
While Antonsen was penalised, BWF rules do allow players to be exempt from competition while still travelling to fulfil on-site promotional duties. World champion and current World No. 1 Shi Yuqi withdrew from the India Open as well, but was present in Delhi for a day to take part in promotional activities.
The India Open has already faced scrutiny over player welfare. Danish women’s singles player Mia Blichfeldt recently described the conditions as “unhealthy.”
Speaking to reporters, she said:
“I had hoped it would be better than the other hall, but it is still very dirty, really unhealthy conditions for all players. Yesterday, when I came to the courts, birds were flying around and creating a mess.”
Concerns have intensified as Delhi’s air pollution worsened in recent days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching severe levels in multiple areas. Most parts of the national capital have recorded AQI readings above 300, raising fresh questions about athlete safety and tournament hosting standards.
