Archive · 20 Aug 2026
BWF Praises IGI Stadium Transformation After India Open Criticism
The IGI Stadium in Delhi had several problems during the India Open in January.
Pigeons and a monkey entered the venue, and some players raised concerns about cleanliness and air pollution.
Organisers used that tournament as a test before the World Championships.
They repaired parts of the building and improved the toilets, seating and practice areas.
Special measures were added to stop birds and other animals from entering.
Washrooms now include sanitary products for women players.
Players and spectators have said the stadium feels much better.
Some air movement from the air-conditioning and high roof still affects play.
However, the badminton has mostly become the main focus of the championships.
The Badminton World Federation praised the IGI Stadium’s rapid makeover ahead of the World Championships.
The January India Open faced disruptions involving pigeons, a monkey, hygiene concerns and Delhi’s pollution.
Upgrades included roofing, waterproofing, cleanliness, electrical systems, toilets, painting and animal-control measures.
Anti-toxic bird-repellent gel, triple doors and dog relocation efforts were introduced to limit animals entering the venue.
Players and spectators praised the improved facilities, including clean toilets and sanitary products for women players.
- Who
- The Badminton World Federation, the Badminton Association of India, the Sports Authority of India, players and spectators.
- What
- The IGI Stadium was extensively upgraded after criticism during the India Open, and the improvements were praised during the World Championships.
- When
- The main problems occurred during the India Open in January; renovation work took place over the following six months, with the World Championships now underway.
- Where
- IGI Stadium in Delhi, India.
- Why
- The India Open was intentionally held there as a test event, and its problems provided organisers with a checklist for preparing the World Championships.
Earlier Criticism
Current Praise
Venue conditions
Earlier Criticism
During the India Open, a pigeon interrupted HS Prannoy’s match, a monkey was seen inside the venue, and Mia Blichfeldt questioned hygiene and playing conditions.
Current Praise
BWF officials, players and spectators said the venue had been substantially improved, with clean facilities and animal-control measures in place.
Preparedness for the World Championships
Earlier Criticism
Mia Blichfeldt questioned how the stadium could host the World Championships in its India Open condition, while Anders Antonsen withdrew citing Delhi’s pollution.
Current Praise
Organisers said the India Open was deliberately used as a test event and that its problems became a checklist for the subsequent overhaul.
Current playing experience
Earlier Criticism
Some issues remain, including air movement caused by the air-conditioning and high roof, which can create shuttle drift.
Current Praise
BWF’s Thomas Lund said the focus had shifted to the matches, while Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn described the arrangements as very good.
- Venue
- IGI Stadium, Delhi
- Major event
- World Championships
- Earlier problems
- Pigeons, a monkey, hygiene concerns and pollution-related criticism affected the India Open.
- Bird-control measure
- An anti-toxic gel system was installed on beams to discourage birds from perching.
- Animal-control measure
- A triple-door system was added, and dogs around the stadium compound were relocated with help from local agencies.
- Women’s facilities
- Washrooms now provide sanitary pads and pee-safe sprays.
- Remaining challenge
- Air-conditioning and the high roof can create drift that players must adjust to.