Danish Badminton Star Withdraws from India Open Over Pollution Concerns
Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen has pulled out of the India Open Super 750 tournament for the third consecutive year. He cited extreme air pollution in Delhi as his primary reason for withdrawal.
The world number three player made his announcement through an Instagram post. He expressed strong concerns about holding a professional badminton tournament in Delhi under current conditions.
Antonsen Shares Delhi's Hazardous Air Quality Reading
Antonsen posted a screenshot showing Delhi's air quality index reading at 348. This level falls into the hazardous category according to international standards. The Danish athlete questioned the wisdom of hosting elite sports events in such conditions.
"Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don't think it's a place to host a badminton tournament," Antonsen stated clearly in his social media message.
Badminton World Federation Imposes Financial Penalty
The Badminton World Federation responded to Antonsen's withdrawal by imposing a $5,000 fine. This marks the third year the Danish player has faced financial penalties for skipping the Delhi tournament.
Antonsen acknowledged the fine in his post, noting that the BWF has "once again fined me $5,000" for his decision to prioritize health concerns over tournament participation.
Tournament Venue Changes and Future Concerns
This year's India Open moved to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium. Both venues are located within Delhi. The Badminton Association of India made this venue change for the current tournament.
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium holds additional significance as it prepares to host the BWF World Championships in August. Organizers designated the India Open as a test event for the upcoming championships.
Antonsen expressed hope that conditions might improve by summer. "Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships take place in Delhi," he wrote in his post.
Second Danish Player Raises Concerns About Tournament Conditions
Antonsen's withdrawal follows similar criticism from fellow Danish player Mia Blichfeldt. She complained about unhealthy conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium just one day earlier.
Blichfeldt specifically highlighted poor air quality and uncomfortable playing conditions at the tournament venue. Her comments added to growing concerns about athlete welfare during the India Open.
Unusual Stadium Visitor Captures Attention
Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor caused a stir at the tournament on Wednesday. A monkey entered one of the spectator galleries at the India Open venue.
The primate drew considerable attention from both live spectators and social media users. South Korean men's doubles player Kang Min Hyuk captured video of a monkey inside the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.
This facility serves as the tournament's designated training venue. Tournament officials confirmed the monkey's presence did not disrupt any matches or training sessions.
Fans shared multiple images and videos of the animal moving through spectator areas. The incident provided an unusual distraction from the ongoing competition.
Tournament Continues Amid Growing Scrutiny
The India Open Super 750 continues despite these challenges. Tournament organizers face increasing questions about venue conditions and athlete safety.
Antonsen's repeated withdrawals highlight ongoing concerns about Delhi's air quality during winter months. His willingness to accept financial penalties demonstrates the seriousness of his health concerns.
The four-time World Championships medallist's absence represents a significant loss for tournament competitiveness. His criticism adds weight to broader discussions about hosting international sporting events in heavily polluted cities.
