The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has responded to allegations by Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt regarding unsanitary conditions at the 2026 Yonex-Sunrise India Open, a BWF World Tour Super 750 event currently underway in New Delhi. The world No. 20 player had publicly criticized the venue setup and urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review conditions ahead of the World Championships scheduled for August at the same location, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

In an official statement, BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra clarified that Blichfeldt's remarks were not directed at the main competition arena. He stated that her comments referred to the broader playing conditions and personal health sensitivities, specifically mentioning the KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training and warm-up venue rather than the primary playing court. Mishra emphasized that Blichfeldt herself acknowledged the competition venue as well-maintained.

The BAI further defended the arrangements at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, describing it as clean, dirt-free, and free of pigeons. Several participating players have reportedly expressed satisfaction with the conditions in the main arena. The association attributed Blichfeldt's concerns to her heightened sensitivity to dust and environmental factors, framing her observations as a personal perspective rather than a general indictment of the tournament facilities.

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This is not the first time Blichfeldt has raised similar issues about the India Open. Last year, she attributed post-tournament illness to dense smog in Delhi and bird droppings inside the stadium. The recurring nature of her complaints has once again drawn attention to the challenges international athletes sometimes face at high-profile events in India, particularly related to air quality and venue hygiene.

The main draw of the India Open began on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and continues amid the ongoing controversy. While the BAI has sought to address the matter by distinguishing between the training and competition areas, the episode underscores the importance of consistent venue standards for elite international competitions, especially with the BWF World Championships set to return to the same venue later this year. Organizers have assured that necessary measures are in place to support players throughout the tournament.

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