Archive · 20 Aug 2026
BWF Keeps India Open Schedule Flexible Amid Delhi Pollution Concerns
The India Open is a major badminton tournament held in New Delhi.
Air pollution has worried some players in recent years.
The Badminton World Federation moved the 2027 tournament to February 2-7.
Officials say they will study pollution information before deciding whether to keep the new timing.
Player Anders Antonsen has skipped the last three tournaments because of the conditions.
The tournament venue was also criticized earlier for dirty areas, poor courts and interruptions caused by birds.
BWF says the venue has now been improved for the World Championships.
Players who had complained earlier have reportedly given mostly positive feedback.
BWF also says the World Championships will not receive prize money for now.
The 2027 India Open is scheduled for February 2-7, several weeks later than recent editions.
BWF secretary general Thomas Lund said future scheduling will depend on pollution data and logistical considerations.
Anders Antonsen has skipped the last three editions, while Mia Blichfeldt has also raised concerns about New Delhi’s conditions.
BWF praised upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex after criticism during the India Open earlier this year.
BWF said it has no immediate plans to add prize money to the World Championships, focusing instead on technology, broadcasting and commercial opportunities.
- Who
- The Badminton World Federation, led in this discussion by secretary general Thomas Lund, along with players including Anders Antonsen and Mia Blichfeldt.
- What
- BWF has shifted the 2027 India Open to February 2-7 for now and is reviewing whether pollution concerns require further scheduling changes.
- When
- The 2027 India Open is scheduled for February 2-7; BWF will assess data over the coming months.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, including the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex venue.
- Why
- The schedule is under review because of concerns about Delhi’s air pollution, while logistical limitations have prevented a move entirely out of the first quarter.
BWF’s Scheduling Position
Players’ Environmental Concerns
Whether the India Open should move later
BWF’s Scheduling Position
BWF moved the 2027 event to February and says pollution is documented to decline somewhat further into January and February, but logistical constraints make a complete move out of the first quarter difficult.
Players’ Environmental Concerns
Some players remain concerned about New Delhi’s conditions. Anders Antonsen has skipped the last three editions and remains uncertain about returning even after the February change.
- 2027 tournament dates
- February 2-7, 2027
- Scheduling status
- The February move currently applies only to the 2027 edition.
- Pollution assessment
- BWF will review available data before deciding on future scheduling.
- Player concerns
- Anders Antonsen has skipped the last three editions; Mia Blichfeldt has also spoken about conditions in New Delhi.
- Venue improvements
- BWF praised upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex ahead of the World Championships.
- Earlier venue issues
- The India Open faced criticism over courts and cleanliness; a monkey appeared in the stands, and bird droppings twice interrupted a match.
- World Championships prize money
- BWF currently has no immediate plans to introduce prize money at the event.