Anders Antonsen Withdraws from India Open Due to Pollution Issues

Post by : Mina Rahman

World No. 3 badminton player Anders Antonsen has revealed his reasons for withdrawing from the ongoing India Open Super 750 tournament in Delhi, attributing his absence to the city’s deteriorating air quality.

The Danish athlete, a four-time World Championships medalist, expressed that the harmful pollution levels in the national capital made it unsafe for competition. His decision has also led to a fine from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), which has stringent participation rules for leading players.

According to BWF regulations, athletes labeled as “Top Committed Players”—which include the top 15 singles competitors and top 10 doubles teams—are required to compete in World Tour 750 and 1000 events, along with the season-ending World Tour Finals. Exemptions are granted only for injury or official medical clearance, with additional penalties for players who withdraw without valid reasons.

Antonsen noted on social media that this marks the third consecutive year he has opted out of the India Open due to pollution fears. He raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of holding a major international event under such conditions, expressing hopes for improvements before Delhi hosts the World Championships later this year. Additionally, he mentioned that he was fined USD 5,000 by the BWF for missing the tournament.

While attendance is compulsory for top-tier players, BWF rules permit exemptions for those carrying out promotional duties on-site. Current World No. 1 Shi Yuqi, a world champion, also withdrew from the India Open but made a brief visit to engage in promotional activities.

The tournament has already faced scrutiny regarding the playing conditions. Danish player Mia Blichfeldt criticized the venue, labeling the environment as unhealthy, citing poor cleanliness and disruptive birds flying inside the stadium during training and matches.

Recent reports indicate that Delhi’s air quality has worsened, with various areas recording Air Quality Index levels exceeding 300, classified as severe. This urgent situation has spurred discussions around athlete safety and the viability of hosting international sporting events under such challenging conditions.