Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth pushed back against criticism of the India Open conditions in New Delhi, saying such shortcomings are part and parcel of international sport and not unique to India. Responding to remarks by Denmarkâs Mia Blichfeldt, Srikanth recalled his own experiences playing abroad, including power cuts that caused floodlight failures during matches in Denmark.
Blichfeldt had claimed that players faced unhygienic training conditions and an unclean environment in the capital while competing at the Super 750 tournament, prompting debate over venue standards. Srikanth suggested that players encounter operational challenges in different countries and urged for a more balanced perspective rather than singling out one host nation.
Srikanthâs comments came hours after world No. 2 menâs singles player Anders Antonsen said he withdrew from the India Open due to what he described as âextreme pollutionâ in New Delhi. Antonsen also stated that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) fined him USD 5,000 for pulling out of the tournament.
“I frankly havenât really read about what she (Mia) said. With my experience, I donât really see. I think the conditions are fine. I donât think any bad things are happening,” Srikanth said after winning his men’s singles opening round against Tharun Mannepalli in the Super 750 tournament.
“From my own experience, back in 2016-17, I had to wait for an hour in between my match in Denmark because the light went out. Prannoy was telling me he had to play one set on one day and the second set on the following day. These things do happen. Itâs just that nobody does it purposely.
“Every country wants to host properly. All these things happen very rarely. I donât know why everyone is complaining about all these,” he said.
More to follow…
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