NEW DELHI: Danish badminton star Mia Blichfeldt has voiced strong criticism regarding the conditions at the India Open Super 750 tournament, labeling them as “unsafe adn intolerable.”
The event, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, has come under scrutiny after Blichfeldt fell ill with a stomach infection, which she linked too the venue’s poor surroundings. She also highlighted the alarming pollution levels in Delhi as a major concern.
“Back home after an exhausting week in India. For the second consecutive year, I’ve fallen sick during the India Open. It’s disheartening to see months of rigorous training and preparation go to waste due to inadequate conditions. Competing in such an environment—filled with smog,bird droppings,and filth—is neither fair nor safe. This is fully unacceptable,” the world No. 23 posted on Instagram,tagging the Badminton World Federation.
“While I’m glad I could compete and win my first-round match, I’m far from content with the overall experience,” she added, sharing visuals of Delhi’s pollution.
Blichfeldt’s health struggles began on Tuesday night when she experienced intense vomiting, leaving her drained and physically weakened. Despite her condition, she displayed unbelievable determination by participating in her matches.
In the second round, she faced China’s Wang Zhi Yi, ranked second globally, and took the match to three sets before losing 13-21, 21-16, 21-8. The Badminton Association of India (BAI), responsible for organizing the India Open, has acknowledged the issues and is in talks with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to consider alternative venues.
BAI cited “significant logistical hurdles” as a major challenge, having secured access to the stadium just four days before the tournament.
“As the organizing body for the Yonex Sunrise India Open, the Badminton Association of India onyl gains access to the stadium and its facilities four days prior to the event, which creates ample logistical difficulties,” stated BAI secretary Sanjay Mishra on Saturday.
“We are actively discussing potential alternative venues with BWF and assessing infrastructure options,” he added.
After her defeat to Wang on Thursday, Blichfeldt shared her experience with the BWF media team, saying, “That night (Tuesday) was unbearable. I couldn’t sleep until morning due to constant vomiting. I’m utterly exhausted, and my body feels completely drained. It’s disappointing not to compete at full strength. Mentally, it was a battle just to step onto the court. It’s incredibly frustrating when external factors hinder your performance after months of preparation.”
The French mixed doubles duo, Thom Gicquel and delphine Delrue, also raised concerns about the adverse weather conditions during the tournament.
