Former world number 1 Kidambi Srikanth defends India Open amid criticism: ‘Every country has its own challenge’ | Badminton News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former world number 1 Kidambi Srikanth has spoken out in support of the playing conditions at the ongoing India Open. He said he has not encountered any serious problems at the site. He also believed that minor organizational problems can happen anywhere and are not limited to one country. The comments came after Danish player Mia Blichfeldt criticized conditions at the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex. She called the environment “unhealthy” and asked the Badminton World Federation to intervene before the World Championships at the same venue later this year.

Srikanth, who reached the second round after a difficult victory over compatriot Tharun Mannepalli, said he did not understand the strong reaction.“I don’t know, every country has its own circumstances,” said the 2021 World Championships silver medalist. Explaining that players in different countries face different challenges, he added: “In Singapore there is a lot of drift. In Malaysia, probably a little less. Previously in Indonesia, before the renovation, it was very compact and fast. Each country has its own challenge.” Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu also shared her views. She said the facilities were fine. “You see, this is our first time playing here, I mean, right now I just finished the match. I mean, it’s fine,” she said. Sindhu added that the venue used for the World Championships makes this event a useful test. “So I think it’s a good test in a way.” When asked about Blichfeldt’s comments, Srikanth said he had not read them in full. Speaking only from his own experience, he added, “You see, I honestly didn’t actually read the note that she spoke. But I think the conditions are fine. I didn’t really see anything bad happen.”“In 2016 or 2017 I had to wait about an hour between my matches in Denmark because the lights went out,” he said. He also mentioned the case of HS Prannoy and continued, “He played one set the first day and the second set the next day.” Srikanth opined that such problems are rare and unintentional, adding, “So these things do happen, it’s just that no one does it intentionally.” Other players shared mixed opinions. France’s Christo Popov said adaptation was important. World number 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn praised the stadium. BAI officials said the event is a learning step before the World Championships.