Delhi India Open dates questioned by Anders Antonsen over winter pollution

Anders Antonsen has asked badminton’s global body to reconsider holding the India Open in Delhi during January and February, saying the city’s winter air pollution concerns him as a player.

The Danish world No. 4, who is in Delhi for the BWF World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, withdrew from the 2026 India Open and paid a $5,000 fine, or about ₹4.7 lakh. He said he would rather pay another fine than compete in what he described as hazardous air.

Former India international Jagdish Yadav supported moving the event to another city or changing its timing. He named Surat, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as possible hosts.

Harendra Malik, who runs a badminton academy in Sonipat, said players arriving from countries with much lower air-quality readings should not be expected to compete in conditions he considers harmful.

Former national-level player Pradeep Aarya disagreed with relocating the tournament because of one player’s objection. He said the India Open is a major fixture on the BWF calendar, while agreeing that Delhi’s pollution during those months is a genuine concern.

The Badminton Federation did not comment.