The India Open will temporarily move out of Delhi in 2028, with Guwahati set to host the BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament for that year before it returns to the national capital.
The 2027 edition will remain in Delhi but will be held from February 2 to 7 instead of its traditional January slot. BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra said the 2028 dates, January 25 to 30, overlap with the Republic Day period, when movement and tournament logistics in Delhi become particularly difficult.
The shift to Guwahati is therefore expected to be temporary, with the India Open returning to Delhi after the 2028 edition.
The change in dates for 2027 is also significant. The tournament has traditionally been played in January, but BWF's tightly structured calendar makes major changes difficult. Mishra said the February slot could also bring slightly better winter weather and lower pollution levels.
Air quality has been a major concern at the Delhi tournament. Several international players raised complaints during the 2026 edition, while Denmark's Anders Antonsen withdrew over pollution concerns and was fined $5,000. He has continued to question the suitability of Delhi during January and February.
The decision to move the 2028 event to Guwahati, however, does not appear to be a rejection of Delhi as a venue. The capital's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium underwent a major refurbishment after criticism during the 2026 India Open, including concerns about hygiene and playing conditions. The venue subsequently received strong praise from BWF officials during the 2026 World Championships.
So the current plan is:
2027: Delhi — February 2–7
2028: Guwahati — January 25–30
After 2028: India Open expected to return to Delhi
The 2027 edition will be an important test of whether moving the tournament from January to February can reduce some of the concerns surrounding Delhi's winter conditions.
