Don't mind paying a $5000 fine for missing India Open: Antonsen slams schedule

Anders Antonsen is ready to pay another $5,000 fine if it means skipping the India Open, with the Danish shuttler questioning the decision to stage the tournament in Delhi during the pollution-heavy winter months.Anders Antonsen questions February's India Open schedule (Reuters Photo)Anders Antonsen is enjoying his return to Delhi for the BWF World Championships, but the Danish shuttler remains firmly opposed to the India Open being played in the national capital during the peak winter months.Antonsen, who skipped the India Open Super 750 earlier this year because of air pollution and paid a mandatory $5,000 fine for missing the tournament, noted that conditions in Delhi are vastly superior at this time of the year. He also expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium ahead of the global event."Yeah, definitely. I have not been here in like three and a half years or something. Last time was in 2023," the Dane told media in the mixed zone ahead of the World Championships. "As I understand it, there is a big, big difference from season to season when it comes to the pollution. So in general, it's pretty crazy, but this is just fine. I've experienced way worse air pollution than it is right now, so this I'm okay with. And as far as the conditions go, the hall is pretty and the practice facilities are good as well. So yeah, all in all, I'm happy so far."While comfortable with the current setup during the World Championships, Antonsen admitted he would think twice about returning for future editions of the India Open if it continues to be scheduled in January or February. The new BWF calendar slating the India Open for February has not gone down well with the World No. 4, who voiced his frustration over the decision. "I was not happy to see it, to be honest," Antonsen explained during his pre-tournament interaction. "The BWF gives out these fines if you don't show up to Super 750 or above. Every year, when I see the calendar, I'm like, okay, they are just instantly giving me a $5,000 fine. I don't know if next year will be the same-I haven't really decided 100% yet."Elaborating on why he feels the venue timing is flawed, Antonsen urged badminton's governing body to reconsider its scheduling choices for Delhi. "The pollution during that season is pretty insane. I don't think it's the right move for the BWF to host the tournament in January or February in Delhi. Hosted this time around (August-September), it seems much, much better from my perspective. I don't know if you guys live here or how you feel about it," he added.With the atmospheric concerns settled for this week, the Dane turns his focus entirely to the World Championships, where he will be one of Denmark's primary medal hopes in men's singles in the absence of former world champion Viktor Axelsen. Despite carrying the weight of his country's expectations, Antonsen insists he feels no additional burden."No, I don't feel any additional pressure. The only pressure I feel is the pressure coming from within," Antonsen said. "I hold myself to high standards, and I want to win and claim the biggest titles."- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Aug 16, 2026 19:45 IST