Challenges Plague Yonex-Sunrise India Open Amid Player Complaints
Organizational Hurdles at the India Open
The Yonex-Sunrise India Open, organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), has encountered numerous challenges. Players traveling to the event have voiced concerns about the venue's cleanliness, while higher-ranked competitors have opted out due to the hazardous air quality in Delhi. Additionally, a monkey was spotted wandering in the spectator area during the initial days of the tournament.
On Thursday, a significant match featuring India's HS Prannoy against Singapore's Loh Kean Yew was disrupted twice by pigeon droppings landing on the court. The venue, which previously hosted gymnastics during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, was chosen by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as a trial site for this year's World Championships.
The stadium is managed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which is responsible for its maintenance and cleanliness. Consequently, both BAI and BWF have had to address these issues publicly.
The BWF released a statement acknowledging the concerns regarding air quality and cleanliness raised by some players, yet they maintain that the stadium is suitable for hosting the World Championships.
They stated, 'Managing factors related largely to seasonal conditions, such as haze and cold weather affecting air quality and temperature inside the venue has posed challenges this week. However, our assessments confirm that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant upgrade from KD Jadhav Stadium, offering improved infrastructure.'
The BWF also noted, 'While some areas of implementation, including general cleanliness and hygiene plus animal control have required attention, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has acted promptly to address these concerns. Players have also noted the positive enhancements to the playing surface and flooring, gymnasium, and medical facilities.'
Denmark's Mia Blichfelt, who had previously criticized the air quality, reiterated her concerns about the conditions at this year's event. 'I actually hoped it was going to be better than the other hall. I think it’s still very dirty and really unhealthy for all the players. Everyone is warming up in two layers of pants and winter jackets and gloves and hats,' Blichfeldt remarked.
World No. 3 Anders Antonsen announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to the poor air quality index. He expressed his frustration on Instagram, stating, 'Many are curious as to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament. Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result, BWF once again has fined me $5000.'
Mixed Results for Indian Players
The day proved challenging for Indian competitors, with only Lakshya Sen making it through to the quarterfinals. He triumphed over Japan's Kenta Nishimoto with scores of 21-19, 21-11. In contrast, Srikanth was defeated by France's Christo Popov with a scoreline of 21-14, 17-21, 21-17, while Prannoy lost to eighth seed Loh Kean Yew with scores of 18-21, 21-19, 21-14.
In the women's singles, Malvika Bansod fell short against China's fifth seed Han Yue, losing 18-21, 15-21. The biggest disappointment came from the doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who were narrowly defeated 27-25, 21-23, 19-21 by Japan's Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita.
Sen initially trailed 11-16 in the first game but managed to rally back with extended rallies. In the second game, he capitalized on quick exchanges to secure a swift victory. 'I struggled with rhythm at the start, lifting short and allowing attacks. Lifting longer and defending well turned the first game,' he explained.