"Indian Badminton Open Criticized for Poor Conditions: What to Expect in World Badminton by 2025?"
Conor Hudson
Fri Jan 31 2025
The recent Indian Badminton Open faced criticism for its poor conditions, with Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt highlighting the dire situation in Delhi. As concerns over air pollution and inadequate infrastructure marred the tournament, players expressed their dissatisfaction, raising questions about the future of world badminton.
Mia Blichfeldt, ranked 23rd globally, voiced her dismay over the air pollution in Delhi during the India Open Super 750 tournament. The city's hazardous air quality, often exceeding 1000 AQI, poses a health risk for athletes and spectators alike. Blichfeldt's elimination from the tournament following her loss to Wang Zhiyi shed light on the challenges faced due to the city's pollution and lack of cleanliness in the indoor stadium.
Beyond air quality, Blichfeldt highlighted concerns about the subpar infrastructure, citing bird droppings and overall cleanliness issues within the sports complex. Her social media post encapsulated the frustration felt by players who put in tremendous effort only to face adverse conditions that jeopardize their performance and well-being.
The dissatisfaction was shared by French badminton duo Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, emphasizing the difficulty of playing under the current weather conditions and high pollution levels in Delhi. The Indian Badminton Association (BAI) acknowledged the delayed handover of the stadium, contributing to the compromised infrastructure that affected the tournament's quality.
As the badminton community reflects on the challenges encountered at the Indian Badminton Open, the spotlight is now on the World Badminton Federation (BWF) to address these issues. The need for better governance, improved infrastructure, and prioritizing players' well-being are crucial for the future of the sport. How BWF responds to the grievances raised by athletes will shape the path forward for world badminton tournaments.