Pollution came in the way of the game… World number 3 badminton player Antonse withdrew from India Open due to Delhi pollution, fined heavily

New Delhi: World No. 3 badminton player Anders Antonsen of Denmark has pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year due to concerns over severe “air pollution” in the national capital. Antonsson revealed this through an Instagram story, stating that he decided to withdraw from the BWF Super 750 tournament due to the current air quality in Delhi.

Antonson wrote, “Due to the high level of pollution in Delhi at this time, I do not think it is the right place to hold a badminton tournament.”

He further said that he is hopeful that the situation will improve by summer, when the World Championships are to be held in the city. The Danish shuttler also revealed that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has fined him US$5,000 for withdrawing, adding that he has been reinstated despite health concerns. Despite withdrawing from the India Open, Antonsson expressed hope that things would improve towards the end of the year.

He said in his post, “Hopefully the situation will improve when the World Championship is held in Delhi in the summer.” Antonson also shared a screenshot of the air quality in Delhi on his Instagram Story, which showed the AQI at 348 and described the situation as hazardous.