New controversy surrounding 2036 Olympic Games ambitions: badminton player Mia Blichfeldt from Denmark blasts India Open conditions | Badminton News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Following last year’s controversy over playing conditions at the India Open, Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt on Tuesday again raised concerns and said the change of venue has not improved the situation for players. The tournament has been shifted to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi this year. The move has been made in view of the World Championships, which India will host at the same venue in August. With India also publicly stating its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, such comments about playing conditions could impact the overall perception of the country’s readiness.

Blichfeldt, who reached the second round on Tuesday, said she expected better conditions after moving from KD Jadhav Hall. However, she felt that little had changed.“I was actually hoping it would be better than the other room,” Blichfeldt told PTI.She described the environment as dirty and unhealthy. She said players were forced to warm up by wearing multiple layers of clothing due to the cold in the stadium.“I think it’s still very dirty and really unhealthy conditions for all the players. Everyone warms up in two layers of trousers and winter jackets and gloves and hats.”The cold, she said, made it difficult for players to properly prepare for games.“It’s not good warm-up preparation for a player who has to get on the court, move quickly and play in splits,” she said.Blichfeldt added that while organizers did their best, more work was needed.“I know everyone is doing their best to improve conditions for the players, but I think there is still a way to go,” she added.Last year, she also criticized the conditions at the KD Jadhav Hall in Delhi during the India Open. When asked if anything has improved since then, her answer was clear.“Honestly, no,” she said.She shared a disturbing experience on the warm-up tracks, adding: “When I came to the warm-up tracks yesterday, there were birds flying around and shitting on the track. That’s really unhealthy and not normal.”Still, she recognized the efforts of volunteers and officials.“But again, I am sure that everyone within the Indian association and everyone as a volunteer here is doing their best. So I hope it will be even better for the World Championships in the summer.”Blichfeldt urged organizers and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to intervene.“I don’t think that many other athletes would play under these conditions,” she said.“I hope that everyone around the tournament, the association and also BWF will look at this location because it is a professional sport.”She warned that poor conditions could lead to injury or illness.“If players become ill or injured due to these circumstances, it is unfair.”Despite her concerns, Blichfeldt praised the main arena.“I really like the arena. It’s huge,” she said. “I am happy with the court conditions, but not with the health conditions.”Canadian Michelle Li also felt the cold at the location.“I was quite cold, it was hard to warm up there,” Li said.Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon echoed the concerns. “We need something like heating,” Intanon said, hoping for warmer conditions during the World Championships.