Bird Droppings Disrupt India Open Badminton Match, Monkey Causes Stir at Practice Arena
An unusual incident interrupted the India Open badminton tournament at the Indira Gandhi stadium. The match between Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and India's HS Prannoy faced an unexpected halt during the first game. Bird droppings landed directly on the court, forcing officials to stop play immediately.
Match Halted Twice Due to Avian Interference
The score stood at 16-14 in the first game when the incident occurred. Players and officials paused the match to clean the court. This was not the only interruption. The same problem resurfaced during the third game, causing another delay. Tournament organizers scrambled to address the situation both times.
This development comes just two days after the Badminton Association of India made a public statement. BAI officials had claimed that pigeons were only present in the practice courts. They assured everyone that the main competition arena remained free from such issues. The repeated halts during a high-profile match clearly contradicted those assurances.
Monkey Spotted at Practice Arena Adds to Chaos
Meanwhile, another unusual visitor caused a stir at the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium. A monkey was spotted roaming freely in the practice arena during the Indian Open 2026. Social media posts captured the primate's unexpected appearance, adding to the tournament's bizarre incidents.
Spectators and players expressed surprise at the animal intrusions. The combination of bird droppings on the main court and a monkey in the practice area raised questions about venue management. Organizers now face scrutiny over their ability to maintain a professional environment for international competitions.
The India Open is a prestigious event on the badminton calendar. Such disruptions can affect player concentration and match outcomes. Fans hope for smoother proceedings as the tournament progresses, with better control over unexpected wildlife encounters.
