Guwahati to Host 2028 India Open Amid Scheduling Shifts
NEW DELHI – In a significant move for the Indian badminton circuit, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has officially announced that the 2028 edition of the prestigious India Open will be hosted in Guwahati.
The decision to relocate the Super 750 tournament from its traditional home in New Delhi comes as a necessary adjustment to accommodate high-level security protocols surrounding the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
A Temporary Relocation
BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra confirmed the change on Sunday, noting that the logistical challenges posed by the national capital’s security arrangements during late January necessitated the move.
"The 2028 India Open will be held in the last week of January and due to the tournament dates clashing with Republic Day security arrangements in the National Capital, we felt that only for that year, we should shift the tournament to Guwahati," Mishra explained. He was quick to reassure fans and stakeholders that this is a "one-off" measure, with the tournament slated to return to New Delhi in 2029.
Guwahati is no stranger to the sport, having successfully hosted major events such as the BWF World Junior Championships and various international team tournaments, making it a seasoned venue for top-tier badminton action.
Addressing Calendar Concerns
The scheduling of the India Open has been a point of ongoing discussion between the BAI and the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The event is currently undergoing a shift in its annual timing to better accommodate international players.
For the upcoming 2026 edition, the tournament is scheduled for February 2–7, moving away from its traditional mid-January slot. This shift comes in response to feedback regarding player health and safety. Notably, World No. 4 Anders Antonsen has missed the tournament for three consecutive years due to concerns over pollution in Delhi during the winter months—a situation that led to the Danish star being fined USD 5,000 for his most recent withdrawal.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund addressed the broader complexities of the world tour calendar earlier this week. While acknowledging that a total overhaul of the schedule remains difficult due to domestic commitments, he emphasized that the governing body is working toward a more athlete-friendly structure.
"There’s obviously a lot of logistical things when you do these things, and we have been in close dialogue around the whole calendar," Lund told reporters. "Right now, it hasn’t been possible due to domestic load to actually totally move around… but we have looked into a schedule that has been improved and will be improved further down the road."
As the sport continues to grow, the India Open 2028 remains one of the most critical stops on the BWF World Tour. By diversifying its host cities and refining its calendar, the BAI aims to ensure the tournament remains a premier destination for the world’s best talent.
