After India Open Debacle, Sports Ministry Pushes SAI For Corrective Action: Report

The Sports Ministry has finally taken note of the numerous complaints lodged by overseas shuttlers during the India Open last week and has sought corrective measures from the Sports Authority of India for the same, according to a report in PTI. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met SAI officials on Monday.

According to the report, Mandaviya held a meeting with the stadium administrators, who were conspicuous by their absence during the tournament and sought an explanation for the chaos last week.

The lapses have triggered a ‘perception crisis’ for India in what is seen as a crucial year for the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic bid.

While Delhi’s poor air quality was unavoidable, SAI faces intense scrutiny over incidents like bird droppings on the

field, a monkey in the stands and poorly maintained facilities, including washrooms and training areas.

“The minister has taken note and SAI will come up with details of corrective measures in the next few days,” a source said while speaking to PTI.

Tasked with maintaining the stadium, SAI has faced sharp criticism for the chaos that dominated headlines at the venue, which is all set to host the Badminton World Championships in August.

Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt called the conditions unhealthy and questioned how the marquee tournament later this year could proceed at the same venue.

SAI, the apex body in charge of national camps and sports infrastructure, fell short in every aspect during the India Open.

The Badminton Association of India was left to manage the media backlash over international shuttlers’ complaints, despite only taking control of the stadium a few weeks before the tournament.

“A Deputy Director level officer was needed to take control of the situation, similar to what SAI did during the para-world championships of athletics at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last year, when things passed off relatively well on the organisational front,” another source told PTI.