Anders Antonsen pulls out of India Open over severe New Delhi pollution

Danish world number three, Anders Antonsen, has refused to participate in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) India Open on Wednesday, referencing extreme air pollution in New Delhi.

A four-time World Champion, Antonsen's remarks came a day after fellow Dane Mia Blichfeldt criticised the playing conditions at the USD 950,000 event.

The Danish stated in an Instagram story that he thinks the city is now "not a place to host a badminton tournament" and that he was fined USD 5,000 by the Badminton World Federation for his choice.

“Many are curious to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the 3rd consecutive year. 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.

“Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result BWF once again has fined me 5000 usd.”

Delhi's wintertime air quality continues to decline, according to experts and environmental monitors.

With PM2.5 levels far over permissible health limits, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for the capital and nearby areas have often stayed in the "severe" to "hazardous" category, creating hazards, particularly for athletes exerting themselves during competition.

It is pertinent to mention that the Badminton Association of India (BAI) moved the India Open from the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium, where it had previously taken place, to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.