Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt has voiced her frustration over the playing conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the venue for the India Open Super 750. She also raised concerns about the pollution levels in Delhi, describing them as “unhealthy and unacceptable.”
“It’s frustrating to train for weeks only to have competitions disrupted by poor conditions. Smog, dirt, and birds on the court are not acceptable at this level of play.”
Illness Strikes Again
The world No. 23 battled through a stomach infection, managing to reach the second round before falling to China’s Wang Zhi Yi in a three-game match. Reflecting on her health struggles, she expressed disappointment at falling sick during the tournament for the second consecutive year.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Air pollution affecting players’ performance
- Unsanitary conditions at the stadium
- Health concerns due to food or water contamination
BAI’s Response to the Backlash
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) acknowledged the logistical issues, citing limited access to the venue before the event as a primary challenge.
“We only receive access to the stadium four days before the event, which makes it difficult to prepare adequately. We are exploring alternative venues for future editions.” — Sanjay Mishra, BAI Secretary
BAI officials have now begun discussions with Badminton World Federation (BWF) to find better-suited venues for the India Open.
More Players Voice Concerns
Blichfeldt was not alone in her criticism. French mixed doubles pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue also pointed out the challenging weather and high pollution levels in Delhi.
“The playing hall is fine, but the air pollution and cold temperatures make competing very difficult.” — Thom Gicquel
Past Complaints and a Recurring Problem
The India Open 2025 is not the first tournament in India to receive complaints. Similar issues were raised during the 2023 Syed Modi International Super 300 and the Guwahati Masters Super 100.
Previous Incidents:
- Bird droppings and dust-laden courts at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium.
- Muddy brown water leaking from a hotel faucet in Guwahati, as reported by Malaysian player Soong Joo Ven.
- Japanese star Nozomi Okuhara had an unpleasant experience during the Odisha Open, dealing with overcharging taxi services and extended hotel check-in delays.
The Future of India Open
With the India Open being a prestigious event on the BWF World Tour, BAI’s next steps will be crucial in restoring confidence among players. A move to a better-equipped venue and improved organization could enhance India’s reputation as a top-tier badminton host.
“Players invest years of training for these tournaments. Ensuring fair and hygienic playing conditions should be a top priority.”
As discussions continue, the badminton community awaits to see if the India Open can address these persistent concerns and provide world-class facilities in future editions.