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Blichfeldt, who had slammed the conditions last year as well in a social media post, appreciated the playing arena but insisted the hygiene and weather were a challenge. “I had hoped it would be better than the other hall, but it is still very dirty, really unhealthy conditions for all players. Yesterday [Monday], when I came to the courts, birds were flying around and creating a mess,” she claimed.
Blichfeldt also complained of the intense cold conditions, something most players have been concerned about. Delhi is facing a more-than-usual severe winter with temperatures dropping to as low as 3°C in the mornings and nights with chilly winds. The competition has been moved from the KD Jadhav hall to the larger main stadium as a test event for the World Championships in August.
Blichfeldt, however, appreciated the playing arena and the efforts being made to improve things. “I think the arena is really good. I like to play in conditions like this, and the hall fits my game really well. I am sure the association and the volunteers are doing their best and hoping it’s going to be better during the World Championships,” she added.
BAI secretary Sanjay Mishra countered Blichfeldt’s complaints. “Only one player has had a problem, while others have appreciated the facilities. Her compatriot Viktor Axelsen has been coming for almost a decade and has won here multiple times. As for the cold, we are using heaters as well to make things comfortable, but the weather is not in our control. The reason we are holding this event here is to make sure there are no issues during the World Championships. We are making note of every small thing to ensure they are taken care of by then,” Sanjay told The Hindu.
Published – January 13, 2026 07:35 pm IST
