The Badminton World Federation (BWF) released a statement in the wake of ongoing controversy at the India Open in New Delhi.
The 2026 India Open badminton tournament at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has sparked major controversy over poor venue conditions.
Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt publicly slammed the setup as "dirty and unhealthy," citing bird droppings on courts, dust-filled air, flying pigeons, monkeys in the stands, and inadequate heating that forced players to layer up during warm-ups. World No. 3 Anders Antonsen withdrew, blaming severe air pollution and sharing Delhi's high AQI on social media, while matches faced disruptions like lights flickering off and wind impacting shuttlecocks.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI)
refuted claims, with secretary Sanjay Mishra insisting complaints targeted the KD Jadhav training venue, not the main arena, and that issues were swiftly addressed. BWF backed Delhi for the upcoming World Championships, noting upgrades in flooring and facilities despite seasonal haze, but urged better hygiene and animal control.
"The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has engaged with players and teams during the YONEX-SUNRISE 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," a statement from BWF said.
"However, our assessments confirm that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant upgrade from KD Jadhav Stadium, offering improved infrastructure. While some areas of implementation, including general cleanliness and hygiene plus animal control have required attention, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has acted promptly to address these concerns. Players have also noted the positive enhancements to the playing surface and flooring, gymnasium, and medical facilities," the statement continued.
"The move to the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex provides greater space for athletes and officials and meets BWF's Field of Play requirements for hosting the BWF World Championships. Insights gathered this week will guide further upgrades to deliver a world-class experience in August, where the seasonal issues are not expected being as severe.
Our priority remains ensuring a safe, high-quality environment for all participants, and we are confident this will meet the expectations of all stakeholders. We thank players and teams for their valuable input and reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement in partnership with BAI," the statement concluded.
