Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Sports Ministry Asks SAI for SOP
The Sports Ministry in India has asked the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to create a set of rules, called a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to make sure that international sports events in India run smoothly.
This comes after some problems at the recent India Open badminton tournament, like bird poop on the field and monkeys in the stands, which made the event look bad.
The ministry wants to be more involved in planning events to avoid these issues in the future, especially since India is trying to host the 2036 Olympics.
The SOP will focus on keeping venues clean, safe, and well-maintained for both athletes and fans.
Upcoming events like the Asian Championship of shooting and the Asian Weightlifting Championships will be the first to follow these new rules.
Sports Ministry asks SAI to create an SOP to prevent issues like those at the India Open.
Problems at the India Open included bird poop on the field, monkeys in the stands, and unhygienic conditions.
The SOP will focus on venue cleanliness, security, accessibility, and maintenance of utilities.
India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and needs to improve its image for hosting international events.
Upcoming events like the Asian Championship of shooting and the Asian Weightlifting Championships will be the first to follow the new SOP.
- Who
- Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Ministry
- What
- Creation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for event management
- When
- Decision made after India Open issues, SOP expected in a few weeks
- Where
- India, focusing on venues like Indira Gandhi Stadium and Karni Singh Ranges
- Why
- To prevent lapses like those at India Open and improve India's image for hosting international events
- Issues at India Open
- Bird poop, monkey in stands, unhygienic conditions
- Ministry's Role
- Planning and oversight of events
- Upcoming Events
- Asian Championship of shooting, Asian Weightlifting Championships, World Athletics Continental Tour
- Venues Under SAI
- Indira Gandhi Stadium, Karni Singh Ranges
- India's Olympic Bid
- 2036 Olympic host
