Former World Champion Loh Kean Yew Pokes Fun at Delhi's Challenging Conditions
Former badminton world champion Loh Kean Yew delivered a witty remark about Delhi's weather after securing a victory at the India Open Super 750 tournament. The Singaporean shuttler defeated India's HS Prannoy in a thrilling pre-quarterfinal match on Thursday, but it was his post-match comments that stole the spotlight.
Humorous Take on Stamina Drain
When journalists asked Loh about his strong performance record in India, he responded with a cheeky grin. "I don't know, probably the weather here," Loh said. "Everyone's stamina drops like two levels in these conditions with the haze going on."
He elaborated further, noting a personal decline in his physical condition since arriving. "I was good in Malaysia but my health has dropped a bit after landing here," Loh added. The player revealed his adaptation strategies, which include wearing a mask outdoors and minimizing time outside. "I breathe less here and use a mask whenever I go out. Other than that, I try to stay indoor as much as possible. But there is nothing I can do," he stated, even questioning how media personnel manage in such an environment.
Three-Game Thriller Against Prannoy
The match itself proved to be a gripping contest. Loh battled through three intense games to overcome the local favorite, Prannoy. The final scoreline read 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 in favor of the former world champion. Both athletes faced additional challenges beyond the weather, as the tournament is being held in a new playing arena.
"There was definitely drift on the court," Loh acknowledged regarding the playing conditions. "But it was same for both of us. Both of us tried to adapt to conditions." This issue of court drift made controlling the shuttlecock difficult for the players, adding another layer of complexity to their performance.
Bird Droppings Halt Play
In a bizarre turn of events, the match experienced two unusual interruptions. Play was paused twice due to bird droppings falling onto the court from the stadium ceiling. The first stoppage occurred near the end of the opening game, while the second happened at the start of the third game.
Initially, spectators were unclear about the reason for the delay as officials gathered on court. Later, Prannoy clarified the situation in the mixed zone, bluntly stating, 'it was bird shit that kind of halted the game.' This incident added to the tournament's growing list of controversies.
Pollution Concerns Echoed by Other Players
Loh Kean Yew is not the first athlete to voice concerns about Delhi's January conditions. Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen previously criticized the decision to hold the India Open in Delhi during this period, citing 'extreme pollution' as his reason for withdrawing from the competition. These remarks highlight ongoing challenges for international sporting events hosted in the city during winter months.
The India Open continues to generate discussion both for its competitive matches and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding this year's edition in Delhi.
