Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt has once again voiced strong criticism regarding the conditions at the India Open, calling them "dirty and unhealthy" and "unacceptable". This is not the first time Blichfeldt has raised concerns about the tournament, having also complained about the conditions last year.

Blichfeldt's complaints center around hygiene and maintenance issues at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, the venue for this year's Super 750 event and the upcoming World Championships in August. She specifically highlighted the presence of bird droppings on the courts, dust, and birds flying inside the arena. She also suggested that the conditions contributed to her feeling unwell. Blichfeldt described the floors as dirty and expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with the environment, stating that many players get sick, preventing them from participating in subsequent tournaments.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has refuted Blichfeldt's claims, with Secretary General Sanjay Mishra stating that her comments were not specifically about the playing arena but rather about the KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training venue. The BAI insisted that the main playing arena is "pigeon-free" and maintained to international standards. Mishra added that Blichfeldt's comments were made in a broader context around general playing conditions and personal health sensitivities and that the playing arena has been kept clean.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has acknowledged the feedback and stated that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant upgrade from the KD Jadhav Stadium. The BWF also stated that the BAI has acted promptly to address concerns regarding cleanliness, hygiene, and animal control.

Blichfeldt's criticism has drawn mixed reactions. Some Indian officials and former players have defended the tournament, arguing that the indoor venues are largely insulated from outdoor pollution and that adequate arrangements have been made for players. However, other players have echoed Blichfeldt's concerns. Canada's Michelle Li noted the cold temperatures inside the venue, which made it difficult to warm up properly. Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon also hoped for warmer conditions during the World Championships.

Adding to the controversy, Danish men's singles player Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open for the third consecutive year, citing "extreme" air pollution in New Delhi. Antonsen shared a screenshot of Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI), which showed a hazardous reading. He also stated that he would likely be fined by the BWF for his abstention.

The issues raised by Blichfeldt and Antonsen have cast a shadow over the India Open and raised questions about India's readiness to host the World Championships in August. With India also aiming to host the 2036 Olympics, concerns about playing conditions could impact the overall perception of the nation's ability to host major international sporting events.