New Delhi stadium ready for Badminton World Championships after upgrades
Venue Improvements Address Past Concerns
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi has received approval from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) following extensive renovations. These upgrades aim to ensure the venue is fully prepared to host the upcoming World Championships. The improvements specifically address hygiene and facility issues that were previously highlighted.
The stadium had faced considerable criticism during the India Open Super 750 tournament in January. During that event, players and officials reported poor hygiene, unclean toilets, and the presence of pigeons and monkeys within the complex. One semi-final match was even disrupted when debris from a bird’s nest fell onto the court, and television footage showed a monkey in the stands.
BWF Events Director (Tournament Operations) Selvaamresh Supramaniam noted that the BWF conducted multiple inspections over seven months, observing significant improvements. He stated that the India Open served as an objective to identify necessary changes. The renovations included deep cleaning, replacement of damaged seats, sealing work, wiring repairs, replacement of broken ceilings, and waterproofing of the roof.
Efforts were also made to manage pests and stray animals. An anti-pest gel has been applied to the roof beams to deter birds from perching inside the arena. Supramaniam mentioned that the venue appeared to have fewer pigeons and monkeys during his recent visits. Additionally, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) took steps to remove stray dogs from the complex, with reports indicating that approximately 60 dogs were rounded up.
Focus on Smooth Competition and Presentation
The BWF’s primary focus remains on delivering a problem-free competition. Supramaniam emphasized that while presentation is important, the competition itself takes precedence. Cleaning efforts are expected to continue until the tournament commences on August 17, acknowledging that ongoing work and rain could lead to new dirt.
Improvements are also being made to the tournament’s presentation, particularly the lighting, which had been criticized during the India Open. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) agreed to involve consultants from Indonesia who have experience with the Indonesia Open and Indonesia Masters to address these lighting concerns.
Sanjay Mishra, secretary of the BAI, expressed confidence that issues related to birds and animals would not recur during the World Championships. He confirmed that the damaged ceiling and exposed wiring have been repaired, and deep cleaning has been completed. The World Championships will mark the event’s return to India after 17 years, taking place from August 17-23.
National men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh is preparing for his debut at the 2026 BWF World Championships. He stated his readiness to adapt to conditions in India, focusing on preparations rather than dwelling on past venue issues. Hoh, who has prior experience competing in India, suggested that players should prepare thoroughly, including bringing their own food supplies to avoid potential problems during the tournament. He hopes for improved stadium conditions but acknowledges the need for personal preparation.
Hoh believes that organizers will implement improvements for the World Championships, despite acknowledging that conditions at some venues in India have previously been unsatisfactory. He is not overly concerned about the draw for his debut, even if it means facing a higher-ranked opponent early in the competition. Hoh also views the public scrutiny faced by Malaysia’s men’s singles players as motivation to demonstrate their capabilities. He has not set high expectations for his first World Championships, aiming instead to deliver his best performance and use it as a learning experience.
The World Championships will feature top players, with China‘s Shi Yuqi set to defend his men’s singles title, and Japan‘s Akane Yamaguchi, who won the women’s singles in Paris last year.
Source: m.rediff.com
