Tue Jan 13 16:45:28 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Badminton Players Criticize Conditions at India Open Venue Ahead of World Championships

The Story:

Several international badminton players, including Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt, have voiced concerns over the playing conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the new venue for the India Open Super 750, and the designated location for the upcoming World Championships in August. Blichfeldt specifically cited “unhealthy” conditions related to cleanliness, temperature, and the presence of birds in the warm-up areas. Other players, such as Canada’s Michelle Li and Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, also noted issues with cold temperatures inside the arena.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has refuted some of the claims, asserting that the main playing arena is well-maintained and that Blichfeldt’s concerns primarily relate to the training venue, KD Jadhav Stadium. However, the players’ concerns raise questions about the suitability of the venue for a major international tournament and the potential impact on player health and performance.

Key Points:

  • Mia Blichfeldt criticized the “unhealthy” conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, citing cleanliness and temperature issues.
  • The India Open Super 750 was moved to this new venue in anticipation of the World Championships in August.
  • Blichfeldt noted the presence of birds in the warm-up area and the need to wear heavy clothing to stay warm, hindering proper warm-up routines.
  • The BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra countered that the playing arena is well-maintained and that Blichfeldt’s concerns were mainly about the training venue.
  • Other players like Michelle Li and Ratchanok Intanon also expressed concerns about the cold temperatures inside the arena.
  • Blichfeldt called for intervention from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to improve conditions and protect players’ health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The health and safety of athletes are paramount concerns in professional sports and can be directly impacted by venue conditions.
  • There’s a discrepancy between the players’ experiences and the organizers’ assessment of the venue’s suitability.
  • The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and proactive measures to address player concerns before major tournaments.
  • The upcoming World Championships at the same venue will put further pressure on organizers to resolve the issues raised.
  • Player concerns could potentially tarnish the reputation of the tournament and the host nation if not addressed promptly and effectively.

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