Antonsen questions India Open timing, ready to take $5,000 fine again

Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen has criticised the scheduling of the India Open in Delhi during January-February, calling the pollution during that season 'pretty insane'. The world No. 4, competing at the BWF World Championships in the capital, said he was 'not happy' to see the tournament return to the same time slot next year.

Antonsen has skipped the India Open for three consecutive years, paying a $5,000 fine each time for missing the mandatory Super 750 event. 'Every year, when I see the calendar, I am like, okay, they are just instantly giving me a $5,000 fine,' he told reporters. He said he has not yet decided whether to participate in the 2026 edition.

The 29-year-old praised the conditions at the World Championships, which are being held in August. 'As far as the conditions go, the hall is pretty and practice facilities are good,' he said, adding that the current air quality in Delhi is fine. He refused to commit to next year's India Open, saying, 'I haven't really decided 100% yet.'