Danish badminton star Anders Antonsen has reignited his feud with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), voicing frustration over the governing body’s scheduling choices and financial penalties for missing the India Open three times ahead of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi.
“Every year, when I see the calendar, I am like, okay, they are just instantly giving me a $5,000 fine,” Antonsen admitted when asked about the BWF’s schedule for next season. “In all honesty, I wasn’t happy to see it because the pollution during that season is pretty insane. I don’t think it is the right move for the BWF to host the India Open in January or February in Delhi.”
The Danish world No. 4 pulled out of the India Open earlier this year for the third consecutive season, citing hazardous winter pollution levels in the national capital. Under the BWF’s Player Commitment Regulations, failing to attend a mandatory Super 750 event without a medical exemption results in a compulsory penalty.
“Many are curious as to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the 3rd consecutive year,” Antonsen wrote on an Instagram story in January before he pulled out of the India Open. “Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment, I don’t think it’s a place to host a badminton tournament. Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result, BWF once again has fined me $5,000.”
While Antonsen questioned the BWF’s plans for the India Open dates, he also noted a sharp contrast upon arriving in India in August after 3.5 years for the World Championships. “I have experienced way worse air pollution than it is right now. This I am okay with,” he shared. “As far as the conditions go, the hall is pretty and the practice facilities are good as well. All in all, so far, I am happy.”
Morale Boosters and High Ambitions
Antonsen arrives in India with his eyes on capturing his first World Championship gold after winning three bronze medals and one silver over the course of his career.
His 2026 season, however, has not been satisfactory, but his title run at the Thailand Open earlier this season provided a crucial mental reset.
“The Thailand Open is definitely the highlight of my year so far and I was super, super proud to achieve that title,” Antonsen said. “Even though I haven’t won the last few tournaments, it’s only four tournaments since I won one, so that gives me hope that my level is there.”
Reflecting on what has kept him from taking the top step of the podium, he pointed to a fiercely competitive era in men’s singles. “I’ve faced some better players in the given tournaments. I need to play my absolute best and maybe even better than I’ve ever done before, and then I need a bunch of luck.”
An Unpredictable Field
Following the decline of countryman Viktor Axelsen’s dominance, Antonsen believes the field has opened up, and the Dane also feels the men’s singles category has become more competitive, unpredictable and diverse.
“Back in the days there were maybe one or two clear favourites. It’s not really like that anymore,” he said. “There are so many competitors from all different nations. Now, all of a sudden, there’s a guy from Canada, then there’s a guy from all across the world. Everyone just seems to get better.”
Speaking on whether he feels added pressure as Denmark’s primary title hope, Antonsen said: “The only pressure I feel is the pressure coming from within. I hold myself to high standards and I want to win and claim the biggest titles. I don’t care what everyone else says or what the media says.
“Back in the days, the first 1-2 rounds were like getting into the tournament. Now, it is just from the very first match that you need to bring your absolute best. If you can become very stable in your mentality, you will have a shot at winning.”
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