🔹 Meta Description
🔹 Focus Keyword
India Open bird droppings incident
🔹 Secondary Keywords
- India Open badminton controversy
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium conditions
- World Badminton Championships 2026 venue
- HS Prannoy match halted
- BWF monitoring India Open
Bird Droppings Halt India Open Match, Spark Venue Readiness Concerns
An unusual and embarrassing incident disrupted play at the India Open badminton tournament on Thursday, after bird droppings were spotted on Court 1, forcing officials to halt the match not once, but twice.
The incident occurred during Indian shuttler HS Prannoy’s match against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, and has intensified scrutiny of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, which is set to host the World Badminton Championships in August 2026.
Match Stopped Twice Due to Bird Droppings
According to Indian media reports, play was first suspended during the opening game when officials rushed onto the court with tissues to clean visible bird droppings from the playing surface.
Shockingly, the match was halted again in the third game after fresh droppings appeared on the same court.
Reacting to the bizarre interruption, HS Prannoy said after the match:
“I think it was bird poop.”
The incident left players, officials, and spectators visibly frustrated.
Spotlight on Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Grows Stronger
This was the third consecutive day the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium found itself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In recent days, multiple reports have emerged highlighting unusual and concerning scenes at the venue, including:
- Birds flying freely over practice courts
- Bird droppings found on warm-up areas
- A monkey spotted in the spectator stands
These incidents have raised serious concerns about venue management, hygiene, and player safety.
World Championships Preparation Under Question
The controversy is particularly significant because the same venue will host the BWF World Championships in August, marking India’s first time hosting the global event in 16 years.
Indian media reports suggest that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is closely monitoring the situation and assessing whether the venue meets international standards.
Any failure to address these issues could prove damaging to India’s reputation as a host nation.
BAI Defends Arrangements, But Concerns Persist
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has defended the arrangements at the venue, insisting that conditions are being managed appropriately.
However, Thursday’s bird-droppings incident has added to what many observers describe as a growing list of embarrassments for tournament organisers.
Despite assurances, players continue to voice discomfort and dissatisfaction.
Players Raise Pollution and Weather Concerns
Beyond hygiene issues, players have also expressed concerns over Delhi’s pollution levels and weather conditions.
Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew joined other athletes in flagging environmental challenges during the tournament, suggesting they could impact performance and health.
Danish Player Blichfeldt’s Strong Criticism
Earlier this week, Danish badminton player Mia Blichfeldt publicly criticised the conditions, calling them:
“Dirty and unhealthy.”
She urged the BWF to intervene, especially considering the venue’s importance ahead of the World Championships.
Blichfeldt later doubled down on her criticism, specifically targeting the warm-up halls, where she said players were forced to wear multiple layers due to cold temperatures.
“Unfit for Elite Preparation,” Says Blichfeldt
Blichfeldt also raised alarms over health and safety, claiming she witnessed birds inside warm-up areas and droppings on court surfaces.
“That’s clearly unhealthy and not normal,” she said.
“Getting sick or injured because of such conditions would be unfair to players.”
While acknowledging the organisers’ efforts, she maintained that significant improvements are still required.
Training Venue Split Adds to Logistical Issues
This year’s India Open was moved from the KD Jadhav Arena to the larger Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
However, training sessions continue to be held at the KD Jadhav Stadium, located 250–300 metres away, creating logistical challenges for players preparing for matches.
What This Means for India’s Hosting Credentials
With the World Championships just months away, these repeated incidents risk undermining confidence in India’s preparedness to host elite global badminton events.
Experts believe that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, pressure from players and the BWF could intensify.
Conclusion
The bird droppings incident at the India Open may appear minor at first glance, but it has exposed deeper issues surrounding venue hygiene, safety, and professionalism.
As the BWF World Championships 2026 approach, organisers face mounting pressure to ensure international standards are met — both for player welfare and India’s global sporting reputation.