Sat Jan 18 12:24:17 UTC 2025: ## Badminton Player Criticizes India Open Conditions
**New Delhi, January 18, 2025** – Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt has severely criticized the conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, venue of the India Open Super 750 tournament. Blichfeldt, world number 23, cited unhealthy air pollution, unclean courts with bird droppings, and overall poor conditions as factors affecting her performance and health.
After battling a stomach infection acquired during the tournament, Blichfeldt lost her second-round match on Thursday, January 16th. She took to Instagram to express her frustration, stating that weeks of preparation were wasted due to the unacceptable conditions. She also mentioned experiencing severe sickness, including vomiting throughout the night, impacting her ability to play at her best.
Blichfeldt’s comments echo concerns about the tournament’s environment and highlight the challenges faced by athletes competing under less-than-ideal circumstances. She specifically called out the poor air quality and unsanitary court conditions, urging the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to address these issues. Despite her illness, she managed to win her first-round match before succumbing to China’s Wang Zhi Yi in the second round. The player expressed disappointment at not being able to perform at 100% due to the circumstances.
First Piper 