Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India Open 2026 Faces Weather and Hygiene Issues
The India Open 2026 badminton tournament in Delhi is having a lot of problems.
Players like Loh Kean Yew and HS Prannoy are complaining about the cold, pollution, and dirty conditions.
There have been incidents with stray dogs, a monkey, and even bird poop falling during matches.
Some players had to stop their games to clean the court.
The organizers say they are trying to fix these issues, but players are still unhappy.
The bad air quality and cold weather are making it hard for everyone to play well.
Players at the BWF India Open 2026 have complained about extreme cold, pollution, and poor hygiene at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Stray dogs and a monkey were spotted inside the venue, and bird droppings disrupted a match between HS Prannoy and Loh Kean Yew.
Loh Kean Yew mentioned that the pollution and cold weather have significantly affected players' stamina and health.
Organizers acknowledge the issues but state that the venue is an upgrade from previous locations and are taking steps to address the concerns.
Some players, like Anders Antonsen, have withdrawn from the tournament citing extreme pollution and poor health conditions.
- Who
- Loh Kean Yew, HS Prannoy, Mia Blichfeldt, Anders Antonsen, and other players at the BWF India Open 2026
- What
- Complaints about extreme cold, pollution, and poor hygiene at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
- When
- January 15, 2026
- Where
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
- Why
- Due to extreme weather conditions, pollution, and hygiene issues affecting players' performance and health
Players and Critics
Organizers
Venue Conditions
Players and Critics
Players have complained about extreme cold, pollution, and poor hygiene, including stray animals and bird droppings disrupting matches.
Organizers
Organizers acknowledge the challenges but state that the venue is an upgrade from previous locations and have taken steps to address concerns.
- Event
- BWF India Open 2026
- Location
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
- Player
- Loh Kean Yew
- Match Result
- Loh Kean Yew beat HS Prannoy 18-21, 21-19, 21-14
- Other Indian Players
- Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Malvika Bansod
- Incidents
- Stray dogs, monkey, and bird droppings disrupting matches
- Player Complaints
- Extreme cold, pollution, and poor hygiene
Sources
'I Breathe Less Here': Former World Champion Criticises Delhi's Weather
India Open 2026: Lakshya Sen beats Kenta Nishimoto to reach QFs; Srikanth, Prannoy crash out
Pigeon drop on court, monkey in stand: BAI’s gross mismanagement turns India Open into an international embarrassment
BWF India Open: After monkeys, stray dogs spotted at IG Sports Complex; dog van stationed at venue
India Open: Delhi’s Air Pollution Affecting Players’ Stamina, Says Loh Kean Yew
