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Blichfeldt Flags Dirty Warm-Up Courts at India Open, BAI Insists Competition Arena Is Clean

The tournament doubles as a test for Delhi’s World Championships in August, heightening concerns over venue readiness.

Overview

  • Mia Blichfeldt criticized hygiene and cold conditions in the KD Jadhav training area, citing dirt and bird droppings, and urged BWF to step in.
  • India’s badminton federation said her remarks do not pertain to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium competition hall, which it described as clean and pigeon‑free.
  • Organizers clarified the warm‑up facility is the adjacent KD Jadhav hall used for training, while matches are staged in the larger main arena.
  • Michelle Li and Ratchanok Intanon reported difficulty warming up due to low temperatures and drafts, with calls for heating solutions.
  • Anders Antonsen withdrew over Delhi’s pollution and said BWF fined him $5,000, adding to scrutiny of event conditions ahead of the World Championships.