The Badminton Association of India has rejected allegations that playing conditions at the India Open in New Delhi are unsafe or unhygienic, following criticism from Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt.
The association said the main competition arena at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium is well maintained and meets professional standards. It stressed that the court used for matches is clean, dirt free and free from pigeons, countering suggestions that the venue posed health risks to players.
Blichfeldt had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with conditions at the stadium, claiming that players were required to warm up in cold and dusty surroundings that she described as unhealthy and unsuitable for elite competition. She said the move to a new hall had not delivered the improvements she expected, particularly in warm-up and training areas where athletes prepare before matches.
In its response, BAI clarified that Blichfeldt’s remarks did not concern the main playing arena used during the India Open. According to the association, her concerns were limited to training and warm-up facilities and reflected her personal sensitivity to environmental factors rather than any shortcomings in the tournament’s core setup.
Blichfeldt, however, maintained that the overall environment plays a significant role in player health and preparation. She pointed out that warming up in winter jackets, gloves and layered clothing is far from ideal for a sport that demands explosive movement and flexibility. She also said similar issues had existed at the previous venue and called on organisers and the Badminton World Federation to step in.
Several other international players have echoed concerns about cold conditions and drafts inside the stadium, although many have acknowledged that the main court itself is spacious and suitable for high-level competition.
With India set to host the World Championships later this year for the first time in 17 years, the debate has once again highlighted the gap between athlete preparation spaces and the standards expected at global badminton events.
