Antonsen says he'd pay $5,000 fine rather than play India Open in Delhi in January-February
Anders Antonsen, back in Delhi for the BWF World Championships on August 16, 2026, criticised the decision to stage the India Open in January or February and said he would not mind paying the mandatory $5,000 fine after skipping the India Open Super 750 earlier this year because of air pollution.
Antonsen said he was pleased with the conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium during the World Championships and noted a marked difference in air quality compared with the winter months. "Yeah, definitely. I have not been here in like three and a half years or something. Last time was in 2023," the Dane told media in the mixed zone. "As I understand it, there is a big, big difference from season to season when it comes to the pollution. So in general, it's pretty crazy, but this is just fine. I've experienced way worse air pollution than it is right now, so this I'm okay with. And as far as the conditions go, the hall is pretty and the practice facilities are good as well. So yeah, all in all, I'm happy so far."
The new BWF calendar slating the India Open for February has not gone down well with the World No. 4, who voiced his frustration ahead of the tournament. "I was not happy to see it, to be honest," Antonsen explained during his pre-tournament interaction. "The BWF gives out these fines if you don't show up to Super 750 or above. Every year, when I see the calendar, I'm like, okay, they are just instantly giving me a $5,000 fine. I don't know if next year will be the same-I haven't really decided 100% yet."
Antonsen called on badminton's governing body to rethink hosting the India Open in Delhi during the winter pollution season. "The pollution during that season is pretty insane. I don't think it's the right move for the BWF to host the tournament in January or February in Delhi. Hosted this time around (August-September), it seems much, much better from my perspective. I don't know if you guys live here or how you feel about it," he added.
Asked about expectations on court, Antonsen said he did not feel extra pressure despite being one of Denmark's leading players at the championships. "No, I don't feel any additional pressure. The only pressure I feel is the pressure coming from within," Antonsen said. "I hold myself to high standards, and I want to win and claim the biggest titles."
With the atmospheric concerns settled for this week, Antonsen turns his focus entirely to the World Championships, where he will be one of Denmark's primary medal hopes in men's singles in the absence of former world champion Viktor Axelsen.