Archive · 17 Jan 2026
India Open Badminton Tournament Faces Criticism
A badminton player named Mia Blichfeldt from Denmark is very unhappy with the conditions at a big badminton tournament in India.
She says the place is not clean, there are animals like monkeys and birds, and the air is not good to breathe.
She thinks it's hard to believe that the same place can host a big world championship later this year.
The people in charge of the tournament say they are trying to fix these problems, but Mia and other players are still not happy.
She hopes things will get better for future tournaments in India.
Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt criticized the conditions at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi.
Issues include unhealthy conditions, monkey sightings, bird droppings, and air pollution affecting players.
Blichfeldt questioned how the venue could host the BWF World Championships in August 2026 under current conditions.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) acknowledged issues but stated the venue is fit for the World Championships.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) promised improvements for the upcoming World Championships.
- Who
- Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt and other players
- What
- Criticized the conditions at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament
- When
- During the tournament and after returning home
- Where
- Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi
- Why
- Unhealthy conditions, animal sightings, and air pollution affecting players
- Event
- India Open Super 750 badminton tournament
- Venue
- Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi
- Player
- Mia Blichfeldt
- Issues
- Unhealthy conditions, animal sightings, air pollution
- Organizers
- Badminton Association of India (BAI) and Badminton World Federation (BWF)
- Upcoming Event
- BWF World Championships in August 2026
- Player's Rank
- World No. 20
Sources
Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt on India Open conditions: ‘Find it very difficult to see how a World Championship could be held here’
BWF responds after India Open marred by hygiene lapses, stray animals and AQI concerns
Find it very difficult to see how a World Championship could be held here: Blichfeldt
'Find it difficult to see how a World Championship could be held here'
Inside India Open Stadium: Garbage on the floor, stench in washrooms and a lackadaisical tournament
India Open 2026: Materials from bird’s nest stop women’s doubles semi-final match
