‘Pollution is pretty insane’: Antonsen wants India Open to move out of Delhi winter
Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen has criticized the scheduling of the India Open in Delhi, citing severe winter air pollution as a health hazard for athletes. He urged the BWF to move the tournament to a different time of year to ensure better playing conditions.
Why it matters
The statement brings attention to the impact of environmental conditions on international sports and the health of professional athletes.
NEW DELHI: World No. 4 Anders Antonsen has urged the BWF to reconsider the timing of the India Open, arguing that the tournament should be held in Delhi during a season when the capital’s air quality is more conducive to high-intensity sport.The Danish shuttler, who defeated Azerbaijan’s Dicky Dwi Pangestu 21-19, 21-17 in his opening-round match at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Monday, believes the January-February window currently used for the India Open exposes players to Delhi’s worst pollution.Antonsen skipped this year’s India Open and has questioned the decision to stage the Super 750 event in the capital during the winter months. The tournament is again scheduled for February next year, although the 29-year-old is yet to decide whether he will participate.“As I said in interviews, there is a huge difference in the seasons here, right?
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