Top Shuttler Anders Antonsen Withdraws From India Open 2026 Citing Extreme Air Quality Concerns

The 2026 Yonex-Sunrise India Open has been hit by a high-profile controversy as Anders Antonsen, currently ranked World No. 3, announced his withdrawal from the Super 750 tournament. Citing “hazardous” air quality in New Delhi, the Danish shuttler has once again prioritised his long-term health over the prestigious early-season title.

Antonsen, a four-time World Championships medallist, took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to explain his absence, sharing a screenshot of Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 348.

“Extreme Pollution” Triggers Withdrawal

Antonsen’s decision marks the third year in a row he has skipped the India Open, a choice that has attracted a massive fine from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

• The Statement: “Many are curious as to why I have pulled out… Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” Antonsen wrote.
• The Financial Hit: Under BWF’s Player Commitment Regulations, top-ranked players are mandatory participants for Super 750 events. Antonsen confirmed he has been fined USD 5,000 (approx. ₹4.5 lakh) for the no-show.
• Eyes on the Worlds: The Dane expressed hope that conditions would improve by August 2026, when the same venue—the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium—is scheduled to host the BWF World Championships.

Danish Duo Criticizes Venue Conditions

Antonsen’s withdrawal follows a scathing assessment by compatriot Mia Blichfeldt, who described the training and warm-up facilities as “unhealthy and unacceptable.”

• Hygiene Rows: Blichfeldt alleged that the auxiliary halls (including the KD Jadhav Stadium used for training) were dusty and plagued by bird droppings on the courts.
• BAI’s Rebuttal: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary General, Sanjay Mishra, countered these claims, stating that the main competition arena is “dirt-free and pigeon-free,” and suggested that the Danish players were referring to the older training facilities rather than the primary Super 750 court.

Delhi’s Air Quality: A Lingering Shadow on Sports

The capital’s air quality remains in the “Severe” bracket as of mid-January.

• Recorded AQI: While official stations reported 348–350, some pocket areas recorded spikes as high as 458–485 this week.
• Impact: The environmental challenge is raising questions about New Delhi’s readiness to host the World Championships in August, with international athletes increasingly vocal about the respiratory risks involved in high-intensity sports within the city.

India Open 2026: Fast Facts