BWF Responds to India Open Concerns, Reaffirms Delhi Venue for World Championships
The Badminton World Federation has openly addressed several operational challenges that emerged during the India Open tournament in New Delhi. The governing body specifically acknowledged issues related to general cleanliness, hygiene standards, and animal control at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
Incidents Disrupt Play and Draw Attention
Play during the prestigious tournament faced unexpected interruptions. On Thursday, a match between Indian star HS Prannoy and former world champion Loh Kean Yew was halted not once, but twice. The reason? Bird droppings falling directly onto the court from above. Officials had to pause the game to clean the playing surface.
"It was bird shit that kind of halted the game," Prannoy confirmed later in the mixed zone. This incident occurred on Court 1, the main television court, amplifying its visibility.
Earlier in the week, spectators and players reported a monkey sighting in the stands, adding to the unusual challenges. Players also voiced concerns about the cold indoor conditions and air quality affected by Delhi's seasonal haze.
BWF's Official Statement and Assessment
In a formal statement, the BWF confirmed it engaged with players and teams during the event to review conditions. "The feedback received — both positive and constructive — is invaluable," the federation stated. It acknowledged the media coverage following player comments.
The BWF pointed to seasonal factors like haze and cold weather as contributors to the air quality and temperature challenges. However, it strongly defended the choice of venue. The federation asserted that the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium represents a "significant upgrade" from the KD Jadhav Stadium, which previously hosted the tournament within the same sports complex.
"Our assessments confirm that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex offers improved infrastructure," the BWF noted. It highlighted positive player feedback on the playing surface, gymnasium, and medical facilities.
Local Organizers Promise Swift Improvements
Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the Badminton Association of India, addressed the concerns directly. He framed the India Open as a crucial test event for the upcoming World Championships scheduled for August at the same venue.
"We will take the learnings from this week and get things better for Worlds in August," Mishra assured. He explained that the cold weather would not be an issue in August and noted that heaters had been installed around the venue in response to player feedback.
Regarding the unexpected animal incidents, Mishra expressed surprise. "I have been here for a month every day and I didn't spot a monkey even once," he said. He promised increased security, with more guards deployed day and night to prevent similar occurrences. "No doubt, we can do better with cleanliness," he admitted, confirming upcoming meetings with the Sports Ministry and BWF to correct all identified issues.
Venue Logistics and Future Considerations
The 2026 India Open was specifically moved to the larger IG Indoor Stadium to meet BWF's Field of Play requirements for the World Championships. The BWF stated the move "provides greater space for athletes and officials."
Mishra dismissed suggestions of moving the World Championships to another city like Guwahati, citing potential hotel accommodation challenges. He confirmed that insights from this week's tournament would guide further upgrades to ensure a world-class experience in August, when seasonal issues like haze are expected to be less severe.
Broader Context of Delhi Hosting
The choice of Delhi as a host city has faced previous criticism. Last year, Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt publicly criticised the city's pollution levels. This year, world number three Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open, citing "extreme pollution in Delhi" in an Instagram post.
When asked about potentially moving the tournament to another city or a different time of year in the future, Mishra said the matter would be tabled with the BWF. "The new cycle that will start from 2027, the BWF will give us options regarding a different window. We will try to avoid this winter season," he explained.
Loh Kean Yew, who defeated Prannoy, humorously referenced the challenging conditions. When asked about his good record in India, he quipped, "I don't know, probably the weather here. Everyone's stamina drops like two levels in these conditions with the haze going on."
The BWF concluded that the week's experiences will directly inform preparations for the August World Championships, aiming to deliver a seamless and high-quality event for the global badminton community.
