‘Would Like 20 More Heaters’: Pollution, Cold And Lighting Concerns Cloud India Open Venue

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 08:01 IST

Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium criticised by players for health, pollution and low temperatures at India Open 2026, seven months ahead of BWF World Championships.

Delhi's IG Stadium hosting the India Open 2026 (X)

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the venue for the India Open 2026 and the upcoming BWF World Championships in August, the dominant talking point has been concerns over playing conditions.

Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt sparked debate after claiming the ‘health conditions’ at the new arena weren’t good.

“I actually hoped it was going to be better than the other hall. I think it is still very dirty, and the conditions are really unhealthy for all the players. Everyone is warming up in two layers of pants, winter jackets, gloves and hats," Mia had said on the opening day of the tournament.

Soon after Mia’s remarks went viral, World Championships bronze medallist Anders Antonsen revealed via Instagram that he had withdrawn from the India Open because of Delhi’s pollution, only to add fuel to the fire.

While Delhi’s pollution remains a concern, air quality has shown slight improvement in recent weeks, with the AQI dropping from 461 in mid-December to 357 on Wednesday. However, players have also struggled with the winter chill, according to reports, as the city recorded a season-low temperature of 3.8 degrees on the same day.

Notably, after the opening day and Mia’s viral comments, organisers arranged heaters in the training area to help players cope with the conditions.

Speaking to News18 Sports, 2016 Thomas Cup champion and current Danish national coach Hans-Kristian Vittinghus acknowledged that while pollution is unavoidable in the city, the cold has been challenging.

“The pollution is annoying, but it isn’t something you can just get rid of overnight in Delhi. The cold, though, is quite severe outside the arena. We had a similar experience at the 2021 World Championships in Spain," Vittinghus said.

“Heaters were installed today in the training area, but maybe 20 more would help," Vittinghus added with a laugh.

The former Danish shuttler also pointed out problems with the lights inside the new stadium, describing it as uneven on court.

Speaking of lights, during PV Sindhu’s match against Thuy Linh Nguyen on Wednesday, lights dimmed on Court 1, because of an attempt to dim lights on Court 4, forcing the umpire to halt play.

Sindhu, who appeared in rhythm before the interruption, went on to lose the next point after the pause.

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