Overview
- BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra confirmed on Aug. 23, 2026 that the 2028 India Open will be held in Guwahati because the tournament dates fall during the Republic Day period in New Delhi.
- The 2027 India Open will remain in Delhi but has been moved from January to February 2–7 to lessen winter pollution and cold-weather concerns for players.
- The 2028 slot falls in the January 25–30 window, which BAI says makes movement, practice and event logistics in the capital difficult during Republic Day security arrangements.
- Player complaints about Delhi’s winter air quality and earlier venue problems, including training-hall issues reported in January 2026, have been a persistent influence on date and venue decisions and have led to withdrawals and fines for some top players.
- Guwahati is a practical short-term host because it has staged major junior and international events and BAI has also bid to host the 2028 Thomas & Uber Cup, a move that could shift more elite events to other Indian cities.