Top Shuttler Anders Antonsen Skips India Open Citing 'Extreme Pollution' in Delhi

• World No. 3 Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open Super 750 for the third consecutive year due to extreme air pollution in New Delhi.
• Antonsen shared a screenshot showing Delhi's AQI at 348, which is considered hazardous, on his Instagram story.
• The Badminton World Federation (BWF) fined Antonsen $5,000 for his withdrawal from the event.
• His compatriot Mia Blichfeldt also criticized the poor, unhygienic, and cold conditions at the training venue, KD Jadhav Stadium.
• Badminton Association of India (BAI) clarified that Blichfeldt's concerns were about the training area, not the main competition courts, which were well-maintained.

Why It Matters: Anders Antonsen pulled out of the India Open due to Delhi's extreme pollution, incurring a BWF fine.