Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Delhi ready to host 'best-ever' BWF World Championships
Delhi is getting ready to host a big badminton competition called the BWF World Championships in August 2026.
The stadium where it will happen, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, got a huge makeover.
The floors, walls, and toilets were fixed, and lighting experts from Malaysia came to set up the court lights.
Earlier this year, the India Open was held at the same venue, and it had some problems.
Some players said the building was uncomfortable and the air was not clean, and one player complained about the warm-up areas.
There were also strange interruptions, like bird droppings falling and a monkey running into the stands.
The people in charge said the India Open was like a practice test for the big event.
They said the problems helped them learn what needed to be fixed in time.
Now they say the stadium is almost ready and believe this World Championships will be the best one ever.
The Badminton Association of India says Delhi is ready to host the 2026 BWF World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The venue has undergone a huge revamp, with flooring, walls and toilets fully renovated and Malaysian lighting experts overseeing the court lights.
The India Open 2026 drew criticism over poor venue conditions, air quality and warm-up zones, with Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt criticising the practice areas.
Some matches at the India Open were briefly halted by bird droppings and a monkey entering the spectator stands.
BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra called the India Open a 'test event' and is confident of hosting the 'best-ever' World Championships from August 17-23, 2026.
- Who
- The Badminton Association of India (BAI), led by Secretary General Sanjay Mishra, responding to criticism from players such as Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt.
- What
- The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium was renovated and BAI says Delhi is ready to host the 2026 BWF World Championships.
- When
- The World Championships run from August 17 to 23, 2026; Mishra spoke at the tournament draw ceremony on Thursday.
- Where
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium (Indira Gandhi Arena), Delhi, India.
- Why
- To host a successful World Championships after the India Open 2026 raised concerns over venue conditions, air quality and animal disruptions.
Critics and players
BAI organizers
Venue readiness
Critics and players
Players criticised poor venue conditions, air quality and the warm-up and practice zones during the India Open 2026.
BAI organizers
The BAI says the stadium is almost ready, with flooring, walls and toilets fully renovated and Malaysian lighting experts overseeing court lights.
India Open disruptions
Critics and players
Bird droppings and a monkey in the stands briefly halted matches, raising doubts about India's ability to host a major event without interruptions.
BAI organizers
BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra called the India Open a 'test event' that revealed the challenges in advance, allowing organisers to resolve them.
- Event
- BWF World Championships 2026
- Host city
- Delhi, India
- Venue
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium (Indira Gandhi Arena)
- Tournament dates
- August 17-23, 2026
- Organising body
- Badminton Association of India (BAI)
- BAI Secretary General
- Sanjay Mishra
- Renovations
- Flooring, walls and toilets fully refurbished; Malaysian lighting experts for court lights
- Prior criticism
- India Open 2026 venue conditions, air quality, warm-up zones and animal disruptions