One of the world’s top seeds has withdrawn from the India Open in Delhi for the third consecutive year, citing “extreme pollution” in the Indian capital.
Anders Antonsen, who is ranked third by badminton’s top governing body, said in a social media post that he has decided not to compete due to poor air quality in Delhi.
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The Danish badminton player added that he had been fined $5,000 (£3,900) by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for withdrawing from the match.
Antonsen also shared a screenshot from Swiss air quality monitoring company IQAir, which showed that Delhi’s air quality index was 348 on Wednesday, a “very poor” level.
“Due to the current level of pollution in Delhi, I don’t think it is a suitable place to host a badminton tournament,” he wrote.
“Fingers crossed things will be better when the World Championships are held in Delhi in the summer.”
This is the third consecutive year Antonsen has missed the tournament. His comments come amid renewed scrutiny of conditions at the Indian Open, a key stop on the global badminton calendar.
The race is held in Delhi during the winter, with air pollution in the city worsening to dangerous levels due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust and smoke from burning crop residue in neighboring states.
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Delhi regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities at this time of year, with air quality index (AQI) readings often falling into the “severe” category. Prolonged exposure to these levels can lead to respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, and increased risk for athletes engaging in high-intensity outdoor training.
Antonsen’s decision follows criticism of the venue from compatriot Mia Bridgfeldt, who raised concerns about hygiene and training conditions.
She shared images online highlighting issues inside the stadium, including cleanliness issues, sparking a wider debate about whether the event met international standards.
“I’m happy with the court conditions but not the health situation,” she told Indian Express.
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“The floor was dirty and there was a lot of dirt on the court. Also, there were birds flying on the field and there was bird droppings.”
A person holds a sign during a protest (AP)
The badminton player’s comments sparked mixed reactions in India. Some local officials and former players defended the event, arguing that indoor venues were largely insulated from outdoor pollution and adequate arrangements were made for players.
The Badminton Federation of India said the event complied with international requirements and accused overseas players of exaggerating conditions.
Sanjay Mishra, the association’s general secretary, said the main competition venues have been kept clean, dirt-free and pigeon-free, with some players expressing satisfaction with the conditions, Firstpost reported.
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“As an athlete who is more sensitive to dust and environmental factors, she shared her personal perspective on how the environment sometimes affects her health,” Mr Mishra told Firstpost.
Pollution issues have cropped up across sports, with cricketers, footballers and marathon runners also raising concerns in recent years about competing in the capital during peak pollution season.
Air pollution became an international embarrassment for India during Messi’s tour last December, when his flight was delayed by smoke and reduced visibility and his appearance at a Delhi stadium with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was overshadowed by “AQI, AQI” chants from a group of angry residents.
Winter pollution in Delhi is not uncommon. Each year, cooler temperatures and calmer winds trap pollutants near the ground, causing thick smog that lingers for days. When air quality deteriorates dramatically, schools are often closed, construction activity is reduced, and transportation is restricted.
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The controversy at the Indian Open adds to wider questions about how international sporting events should deal with environmental risks, especially as climate change and urban pollution increasingly affect host cities.
Antonsen has yet to say whether he will return to the tournament in the coming years.
