Mia Blichfeldt Criticises Unhealthy Playing Conditions at IG Stadium Venue

Mia Blichfeldt has expressed concerns over the unhealthy playing conditions at IG Stadium, despite the venue change for the India Open. The Badminton Association of India has denied these claims.

Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt has criticised the playing conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where the India Open Super 750 is being held. She expressed dissatisfaction with the "unhealthy surroundings" despite a change in venue from the KD Jadhav hall. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has refuted her claims, maintaining that the new venue is well-maintained.

Blichfeldt, ranked 20th in the world, advanced to the second round but was disappointed with the unchanged conditions. "I actually hoped it was going to be better than the other hall. I think it’s still very dirty and really unhealthy conditions for all the players. Everyone is warming up in two layers of pants and winter jackets and gloves and hats," Blichfeldt told video.

Concerns Over Venue Conditions

She noted that players are forced to warm up in heavy clothing due to cold temperatures, which is not ideal for quick movements on court. "It’s not good warm-up preparation for a player who has to go on court and move fast and go in splits. I know everyone is doing their best to make the conditions better for the players, but I think there is still a way to go."

BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra responded by highlighting contradictions in Blichfeldt's statements. "I heard the voice recording, also read the statement, both are contradictory. In voice recording, she appreciated, but what I read was all negative." He emphasised that previous comments were positive after last year's event.

Mixed Reactions from Players

Mishra added that this event serves as a test for hosting the World Championships later this year. He acknowledged Delhi's cold weather but assured that heaters are provided. "As our PM puts a lot of impetus on world events, we will be organising the world championship in such a way that everyone would remember."

Blichfeldt previously criticised KD Jadhav hall's conditions as unhealthy. She mentioned birds inside the warm-up area as a concern. "Yesterday when I came to the warm-up courts, there were birds flying around and shitting on the court. That’s really unhealthy and not normal."

Despite these issues, Blichfeldt praised the main playing arena's condition. "I think the arena is really good. It’s huge," she said. "I like to play in conditions like this and the hall fits my game really well." However, she stressed that health conditions need improvement.

Calls for Professional Standards

Canadian player Michelle Li also found the venue cold and challenging for warming up. "I felt kind of cold, it was hard to warm up in there," Li said. She noted that while larger, this venue has more draft compared to the previous one.

Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon echoed concerns about cold temperatures affecting readiness on court. "We need something like heaters," Intanon said. She hopes for warmer conditions during the World Championships.

Blichfeldt called for intervention from organisers and Badminton World Federation (BWF) to ensure professional standards are upheld. "I don’t think so many other athletes would play under these conditions," she said.

She warned of potential consequences if improvements aren't made before hosting the World Championships later this year. "If players get sick or get injured because of these conditions, it’s unfair," she stated.

With inputs from PTI