Danish Star Blichfeldt Voices Concerns Over Delhi Arena Conditions
Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt has raised serious concerns about the playing conditions at the India Open Super 750 tournament in New Delhi. The world number 20 shuttler specifically highlighted issues with cleanliness and temperature at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This venue is set to host the prestigious BWF World Championships in August 2026.
Blichfeldt's Direct Criticism of Sanitation Standards
After securing her first round victory against Chinese Taipei's Chin Piu-chian, Blichfeldt did not hold back her opinions. "I'm happy with the court conditions but not the health conditions," she told reporters. The Danish athlete pointed out visible problems within the arena.
"The floors are dirty and there is a lot of dirt on the courts," Blichfeldt stated clearly. "Also, there are birds flying in the arena, there is bird poop also."
She acknowledged that her European background might make her more sensitive to these issues. However, her concerns extend beyond personal preference to player welfare.
Repeat Complaints from Previous Year
This marks the second consecutive year that Blichfeldt has complained about conditions at New Delhi's indoor stadiums. Last year, she raised similar issues at the adjacent KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium during the Super 750 event.
"Last year I made a complaint about the conditions because I think it's not fair to the players," Blichfeldt explained. "A lot of us get sick and that means we cannot participate in the tournament the week after."
The Danish player recalled falling sick due to food issues during last year's tournament. This year, she's taking precautions by eating only in her hotel room to avoid similar problems.
Temperature Concerns in Chilly Delhi Winter
January brings cold weather to Delhi, with temperatures dipping to around 13 degrees Celsius during afternoons. This has created additional challenges for players at the indoor stadium.
"Weatherwise also, it is cold and I'm playing with extra layering," Blichfeldt noted. Many players have found it difficult to warm up properly in the chilly arena conditions.
Canadian shuttler Michelle Li echoed these concerns. "I felt kind of cold, it was hard to warm up in there," she said. Li also mentioned that the larger stadium layout has caused navigation issues for players.
India Open as Test Run for World Championships
The current India Open tournament serves as an important test event before the BWF World Championships in August. Tournament organizers acknowledge this preparation phase.
Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay Mishra confirmed this approach. "Whatever issue comes up in the next week, we will sort it out before the World Championships," he stated before the tournament began.
Blichfeldt recognizes the arena's potential for major events but hopes for improvements. "The arena itself is huge and I think it's really great for major events like this, especially World Championships," she said. "But I really hope that it's going to be better conditions for the players during the Worlds."
The Danish star emphasized that while everyone is trying their best, the Badminton World Federation should address these concerns seriously. "This is a professional sport," she reminded everyone.
As players continue competing in the India Open, their feedback will likely shape preparations for the upcoming World Championships. The tournament provides valuable insights into what needs improvement before the global badminton community arrives in Delhi later this year.
