India reacted furiously yesterday to England's withdrawal from the world badminton championships in Hyderabad, saying it was being unfairly tainted as a destination too dangerous for international sport.

The English pull-out over security fears came three months after Australian tennis players refused to play a Davis Cup tie in Chennai, and a year before 71 national teams gather in New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games.

"This is unfortunate and an over-reaction," Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said after England backed out of the event over media reports of a threat by Islamic militants.

"The security arrangements in Hyderabad are good and the government of India is committed to ensure the complete security of all competitors and the championships," he said.

The perceived risk of foreign sports stars being targeted in South Asia has increased dramatically since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan in March.

Deadly militant attacks on luxury hotels in Mumbai last November have also added to nervousness about teams travelling to India.

But England's withdrawal was criticised by both the organisers and by other teams.

"I think perhaps they have over-reacted," Anne Smillie, chief executive of Badminton Scotland, told the BBC.

"Our Scottish players and our team manager, who are in Hyderabad, feel confident that security is at its best."