Danish Shuttler Fined $5,000 for India Open Withdrawal, BAI Defends Conditions

• Badminton Association of India (BAI) General Secretary Sanjay Mishra defended the India Open 2026 playing conditions against Danish shuttlers' criticisms.
• Mishra stated the tournament is a test event for the BWF World Championships, to be hosted in August at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
• Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt complained about unhygienic conditions and pigeon droppings, while Anders Antonsen withdrew citing air pollution.
• Antonsen was fined $5,000 by BWF for his withdrawal, which BAI claims was not permitted by the federation.
• BAI emphasized that criticism of the country from abroad is unacceptable and crosses the boundaries of sports debate.

Why It Matters: BAI defended India Open conditions, reprimanding Danish players for criticism and unapproved withdrawals.