Bird Nest Materials Disrupt Women's Doubles Semi-Final at India Open 2026
The India Open Super 750 tournament faced another unusual interruption on Saturday. The women's doubles semi-final match between China's Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning and South Korea's Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee came to an abrupt halt.
Something unexpected fell from the stadium roof during the first game. The umpire immediately stopped play and called for court sweepers to address the situation.
Initial Confusion Over Court Intrusion
At first glance, officials and spectators thought it was another incident of bird droppings. Similar problems had plagued the tournament earlier in the week. However, closer inspection revealed a different source of the disruption.
Tournament officials confirmed the fallen materials actually came from a bird's nest located in the stadium structure. Ground staff carefully collected the debris using tissue paper and disposed of it properly before play could resume.
Continuing Pattern of Avian Interruptions
This was not the first time bird-related issues disrupted matches at this year's India Open. Just two days earlier, the pre-quarterfinal clash between India's HS Prannoy and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew was stopped twice.
Bird droppings fell on the court during that match, sparking criticism of playing conditions. Players and fans expressed growing concern about the tournament environment.
Players Voice Concerns About Venue Conditions
Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt had already raised alarms about the venue earlier in the tournament. She complained about dirty training courts and unhygienic conditions throughout the arena.
Blichfeldt took to Instagram to question whether the venue was suitable for hosting the World Championships scheduled for August. She described the conditions as unacceptable and highly unprofessional.
"The past few days in India have been tough - tougher than I honestly expected," Blichfeldt posted. "Everyone is stressed and frustrated by the conditions we are being met with at a World Tour Super 750 event."
Pollution and Additional Wildlife Issues
World number three Anders Antonsen also expressed concerns about pollution levels in the city. He questioned whether holding a Super 750 tournament under such conditions was appropriate.
The tournament experienced another wildlife incident beyond the bird problems. A monkey entered the spectator area during one match and remained there for approximately ten minutes. Stadium security eventually removed the animal, but not before it watched the game from the stands.
These repeated incidents have raised serious questions about venue management and preparation for international badminton events in New Delhi.
