Anders Antonsen Won’t Mind Paying $5,000 Fine Again

Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen has made it clear he is willing to pay a $5,000 fine again if the India Open remains scheduled during January or February. He skipped the tournament earlier this year due to severe air pollution in Delhi and paid the mandatory fine.

Antonsen praised the current facilities at the BWF World Championships in Delhi, calling them good and well-maintained. He noted that while pollution is a problem during winter months, it’s currently manageable. However, he questioned whether it’s wise for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to hold the India Open during the high-pollution season.

When asked about competing in next year’s event, Antonsen said he is prepared to pay the fine again if the tournament stays in January or February. He admitted the $5,000 penalty feels like an immediate fine each year but hasn’t decided for sure yet.

Antonsen also criticized the timing of the event, calling the pollution during winter “insane.” He believes hosting major tournaments in Delhi during that time is not ideal.

As Denmark’s top medal hope in men’s singles without former champion Viktor Axelsen, Antonsen feels no extra pressure. He focuses on his own performance and aims to win big titles.

His straightforward comments highlight the challenges of holding major badminton events in Delhi during winter months.