India Open venue conditions unhealthy, says Denmark shuttler Mia Blichfeldt

Denmark’s world number 20 Mia Blichfeldt on Tuesday criticised the playing conditions at the new IG Stadium in New Delhi during the ongoing India Open Super 750 tournament, calling them unhealthy and unprofessional and urging intervention by the Badminton World Federation.

Blichfeldt, who advanced to the second round, said she had hoped the change of venue would bring meaningful improvements but found little difference from earlier conditions. She said the arena remained dirty and cold, forcing players to warm up in winter jackets, gloves, and hats.

She said such conditions made it difficult for elite athletes to prepare properly before matches that demand speed, flexibility, and high-intensity movement.

While acknowledging efforts by organisers, she said there was still a long way to go.

The Dane had also criticised conditions at the KD Jadhav Hall during the previous edition of the India Open, calling them unhealthy and unacceptable. Asked if the situation had improved, she said it had not, adding that she saw birds flying inside the warm-up courts and defecating on them, which she described as highly unhygienic.

Blichfeldt said professional standards must be upheld and urged tournament organisers, the national association, and the BWF to address the issues, especially with the World Championships scheduled to be held at the venue later this year. She warned that players falling sick or getting injured due to poor conditions would be unfair.

Canada’s Michelle Li also said the new venue felt colder and harder to warm up in, noting stronger drafts inside the larger stadium. Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon echoed the concern, saying heaters were needed as the arena remained too cold for proper match readiness.