After bird droppings, stray animals and air-quality concerns overshadowed badminton’s India Open in New Delhi earlier this year, organizers of the flagship World Championships on Tuesday said the city was ready to deliver a smoother spectacle.
The Aug. 17 to 23 tournament is to be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, with the draw taking place on Wednesday. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and local organizers, Badminton Association of India (BAI), said preparations were on track.
“Following the India Open in January, BAI acted swiftly to address feedback relating to venue cleanliness and environmental conditions,” BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund said in a statement.
Photo: Reuters
New Delhi regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals during winter, with poor air quality a recurring concern for international sporting events.
The January India Open drew criticism after Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew said he struggled to breathe and wore a mask outside his hotel room, while Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt described conditions as “unhealthy.”
Loh’s match against India’s H.S. Prannoy was halted twice after birds fouled the court, while Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon complained of cold conditions and South Korea’s Kang Minhyuk posted on social media after a monkey entered the training venue.
Lund said August’s monsoon weather typically brought better air quality than January, while the venue roof had been inspected and waterproofed where required, the air-conditioning system tested and lighting upgrades were being installed.
“The challenges experienced at the India Open are not unique to any one host nation... BWF is satisfied that appropriate measures have been implemented ahead of the championships,” he said.
BAI general-secretary Sanjay Mishra said that organizers had enhanced animal-control measures with a triple-door entry system, round-the-clock security, sealed access points and coordination with local authorities to relocate stray animals.
“We are confident that the event will offer nothing less than a seamless, world-class spectacle for players, officials and fans alike,” Mishra said.
India Open men’s singles champion Lin Chun-yi of Taiwan is expected to play in the World Championships, which would also feature defending men’s champion Shi Yuqi and women’s title holder Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, while two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu would spearhead India’s challenge in the women’s singles on home soil.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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