Danish Badminton Star Anders Antonsen Urges BWF to Rethink India Open Timing Amidst Delhi’s "Insane" Winter Pollution
NEW DELHI – World No. 4 badminton player Anders Antonsen has issued a stark warning to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), advocating for a relocation or significant re-timing of the India Open. The Danish shuttler argues that holding the prestigious Super 750 event in Delhi during the January-February window exposes athletes to "insane" air pollution, rendering the conditions unsuitable for high-intensity professional sport.
Antonsen, fresh off his opening-round victory against Azerbaijan’s Dicky Dwi Pangestu at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, minced no words in describing the stark difference in air quality between the current championship period and the winter months. "As I said in interviews, there is a huge difference in the seasons here, right? I’ve come to understand that in January and February the pollution here is quite insane," Antonsen stated, emphasizing the severe health implications for athletes.
The 29-year-old Dane, a multiple World Championships medalist, deliberately skipped this year’s India Open due to these concerns, a decision that resulted in a $5,000 fine for missing the mandatory Super 750 event. He highlighted the financial dilemma faced by players forced to choose between their health and their professional obligations. "I wasn’t happy to see it because, as we just talked about, the pollution during that season is pretty insane. I don’t think it is the right move for the BWF to host the tournament in January or February in Delhi," he reiterated.
Antonsen vividly painted a picture of the adverse playing conditions during Delhi’s winter smog. "It’s not pleasant to play in. You kind of get this burning feeling in your throat and you can see it under the lights and everything. It’s not super nice," he explained. He contrasted this with the current environment for the World Championships, which he found "way, way better."
"When I open the windows in the morning, I can see stuff. But if I do that in January, I can’t see the building next to me. So imagine having your pulse high and trying to fight for air. It’s not a pleasant feeling," Antonsen elaborated, stressing the physiological strain on athletes competing in such conditions. He firmly believes that if the BWF genuinely wishes to provide optimal playing conditions, a change in the India Open’s schedule is imperative. "So if I was the BWF, I would host the India Open at another time of the year," he declared.
Despite his strong criticism of the India Open’s timing, Antonsen expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and facilities at the World Championships venue. "I’m happy with it so far. The arena is beautiful. Huge arena. It’s my first time here. Everything out here is good. No complaints," he affirmed, indicating that the issue lies squarely with the chosen season for the India Open, not with Delhi as a host city in general.
On the court, Antonsen remains a formidable competitor, aiming for the coveted World Championships gold—the only medal missing from his collection, which already includes three bronzes and one silver. He acknowledges the fierce competition in men’s singles, remarking, "I need to play my absolute best and maybe even better than I’ve ever done before, and then I need a bunch of luck. So yeah, the men’s singles category right now is insane."
Antonsen’s outspoken comments cast a significant spotlight on the environmental challenges faced by athletes in certain global sporting events and underscore the need for sporting federations to prioritize player well-being when scheduling international tournaments. His plea for a reconsideration of the India Open’s timing resonates as a crucial call for healthier and fairer competition conditions.
