Bird Droppings Disrupt India Open Match, Highlight Tournament Troubles
The India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi continues to face controversy. Multiple issues have plagued the event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Players and spectators have complained about poor air quality, dirty surroundings, lack of heating, and even monkey disturbances. On Thursday, the problems reached a new low when bird droppings on the court stopped play twice during a crucial men's singles match.
Match Interruptions at Critical Moments
India's H S Prannoy faced Singapore's former world champion Loh Kean Yew in the match. The first stoppage occurred when Prannoy led 16-14 in the opening game. Loh walked to the net, looked up at the roof, and made a retching gesture. Broadcast cameras captured the moment clearly for viewers worldwide.
Play resumed after several minutes. The farce repeated itself in the deciding third game. Prannoy pointed upward with his racquet when leading 1-0. He alerted the chair umpire to the problem. Officials stopped the match once again.
Broadcast Confusion and Player Confirmation
The television broadcast added to the confusion. Cameras did not show the court cleaning process. Instead, they cut to shots of spectators and coaches. Commentators provided misleading explanations. They told viewers that loose white tape was being fixed. This claim contrasted sharply with what players and arena witnesses observed.
Clarity emerged only after the match concluded. Prannoy confirmed the reason for both stoppages. "I think it was bird s*** which kind of halted the match," he told journalists. When pressed for confirmation, Prannoy was unequivocal. "The two stoppages were for bird s****."
Official Response and Broader Concerns
The Badminton World Federation issued a statement acknowledging the situation. They described player feedback as invaluable for improving tournament environments. The statement noted challenges related to seasonal conditions. Haze and cold weather have affected air quality and temperature inside the venue.
The federation acknowledged that cleanliness, hygiene, and animal control required attention. They stated that the Badminton Association of India acted promptly to address concerns. Insights from this week will guide upgrades for the World Championships scheduled for August.
Loh Kean Yew used the opportunity to speak about broader conditions. He mentioned how weather affects player stamina. "There's haze all around," Loh said. "The weather is not so good. My health has dropped quite a bit." The Singaporean player described breathing difficulties. He wears a mask when possible and tries to stay indoors between matches.
Growing List of Tournament Problems
The bird dropping incident represents just one issue in a series of complaints. Players have expressed concerns about multiple aspects of the tournament organization. Air quality remains a persistent problem in Delhi during winter months. The lack of proper heating inside the stadium has drawn criticism from participants accustomed to controlled environments.
General cleanliness and animal control measures have also come under scrutiny. The monkey menace mentioned earlier in the week added to the challenges. Tournament organizers face mounting pressure to address these issues promptly. The reputation of India as a host for international badminton events hangs in the balance.
Players continue to compete despite the difficult conditions. They demonstrate professional commitment while highlighting areas needing improvement. The Badminton World Federation's promise of upgrades offers some hope for future events. However, immediate solutions remain necessary for the ongoing tournament.
