Former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth defends India Open amid criticism: ‘Every country has its own challenge’

NEW DELHI: Former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth has spoken in support of the playing conditions at the ongoing India Open. He said he has not faced any serious problems at the venue. He also felt that small organisational issues can happen anywhere and are not limited to one country.

The comments came after Denmark player Mia Blichfeldt criticised the conditions at the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex. She called the surroundings “unhealthy” and asked the Badminton World Federation to step in before the World Championships later this year at the same venue.



Srikanth, who reached the second round after a tough win against fellow Indian Tharun Mannepalli, said he did not understand the strong reaction.

“I don't know, see every country has its own conditions,” said the 2021 world championships silver medallist.

He explained that players face different challenges in different countries, adding, “In Singapore, there is a lot of drift. In Malaysia, probably a little less. Earlier in Indonesia, it used to be very compact and fast before renovation. Every country has its own challenge.”

Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu also shared her view. She said the facilities were fine. “See this is the first time we're playing here, I mean, right now I just finished the match. I mean, it is fine,” she said. Sindhu added that the venue being used for the World Championships makes this event a useful trial. “So, I think it's a good trial in a way.”

When asked about Blichfeldt’s comments, Srikanth said he had not read them fully. He spoke only from his own experience, adding, “See I frankly haven't really read the note that she spoke. But I feel the conditions are fine. I didn't really see anything bad that was happening."

"In 2016 or 2017, I had to wait for about an hour in between my match in Denmark because the light went out,” he said.

He mentioned H S Prannoy’s case too, continuing, “He played one set first day and then the second set on the following day.”

Srikanth felt such problems are rare and unintentional, adding, “So, these things do happen, just that nobody does it deliberately.”

Other players shared mixed views. France’s Christo Popov said adjustment was important. World No.2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn praised the stadium. BAI officials said the event is a learning step before the World Championships.


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