BWF responds after India Open marred by hygiene lapses, stray animals and AQI concerns

Touted as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming BWF World Championships later this year, the India Open has fallen well short of expectations, with the opening days of the Super 750 tournament overshadowed by a series of embarrassing incidents.

Concerns over poor air quality, inadequate hygiene and the presence of stray animals at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex have cast a shadow over the event.

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Despite assurances from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) that the venue meets all requirements for hosting the World Championships in August, the facility has come under sharp scrutiny following multiple hygiene and safety lapses.

On Thursday, the match between HS Prannoy and former world champion Loh Kean Yew was interrupted twice after bird droppings fell from the ceiling onto Court 1, forcing officials to halt play and clean the surface mid-game.

Earlier, television cameras captured a monkey walking through the stands at the Indira Gandhi Arena. The incident prompted Korean shuttler Kang Min-hyuk to joke on social media about “free animal admission”.

Danish player Mia Blichfeldt was more forthright, openly criticising the conditions and calling them “unhealthy”. Several other players also raised concerns over the playing environment, with poor air quality further hampering participants.

World No. 3 Anders Antonsen cited New Delhi’s hazardous air quality index (AQI) as the reason for withdrawing from the tournament — a decision that resulted in a USD 5,000 fine imposed by the BWF.

As criticism from overseas players mounted, the BWF released a detailed statement acknowledging the concerns and outlining measures taken during the event.

“The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has engaged with players and teams during the India Open 2026 to review conditions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. The feedback received — both positive and constructive — is invaluable in shaping the best possible environment for this tournament and future championships. We also acknowledge the comments shared by players and the subsequent media coverage,” the federation said in an official statement.

“Managing factors related largely to seasonal conditions, such as the haze and cold weather affecting air quality and temperature inside the venue, has posed challenges this week. However, our assessments confirm that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant upgrade from the KD Jadhav Stadium, offering improved infrastructure,” the statement added.

The situation worsened on Friday when stray dogs were spotted inside the venue, prompting the deployment of a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) dog-catching van.

Addressing these issues, the BWF noted: “While some areas of implementation — including general cleanliness and hygiene, as well as animal control — have required attention, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has acted promptly to address these concerns. Players have also acknowledged positive improvements to the playing surface and flooring, gymnasium and medical facilities.”