BWF World Championships 2026: ‘Problem not Delhi, but season’ - Antonsen on pollution pullouts

FILE PHOTO: World No. 4 Anders Antonsen has no objection to Delhi hosting a major badminton tournament in August rather than January and February when the city’s air quality can deteriorate dramatically. | Photo Credit: AFP

Anders Antonsen has no problem playing badminton in Delhi in August. January, however, is another matter altogether. The Danish World No. 4 was one of the most prominent players to raise concerns about the air pollution in the capital when he skipped the India Open earlier this year – for the third tournament in a row -- and his view has not changed. If anything, his return to Delhi for the World Championships has reinforced his belief that the problem is not the city itself, but the timing of the tournament.

“There is a big, big difference from season to season when it comes to the pollution,” Antonsen said on Saturday, after a practise session in Delhi ahead of the World Championships. “It’s pretty crazy in January (in Delhi). This is just fine. I’ve experienced way worse air pollution than it is right now. So, this I’m okay with,” said Antonsen, who has won four world championships medals.

The distinction is important to Antonsen. He has no objection to Delhi hosting a major badminton tournament at this time of the year. “And as far as the conditions go, the hall is pretty and the practice facilities are good as well,” Antonsen said.

But January and February, when Delhi’s air quality can deteriorate dramatically, are different.

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“I don’t think it’s the right move for the BWF to host a tournament in January or February in Delhi,” he said, referring to the Badminton World Federation’s decision to stage the India Open in the capital during the winter.

Antonsen’s comments come after his decision of skipping the India Open that put him at odds with the BWF’s tournament obligations which fines players who don’t show up at a World Tour 750 event. Antonsen said he hadn’t yet decided whether to compete at the India Open next year. “When I see the calendar, I’m like, okay, they’re all just instantly giving me a USD 5000 fine. I don’t know if next year will be the same. I haven’t really decided 100 per cent yet. But yeah, in all honesty, I wasn’t happy to see it because the pollution during that season is pretty insane. So, I don’t think it’s the right move for the BWF to host a tournament in January or February in Delhi. Hosting it this time around seems much better from my perspective,” he said.

Published on Aug 16, 2026

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