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Bird Droppings Halt India Open Match as BWF Acknowledges Lapses and Affirms Worlds Plan

Citing seasonal conditions, the federation commits to upgrades before August's World Championships at the Delhi site.

Overview

  • Play in the H. S. Prannoy–Loh Kean Yew match was stopped twice after bird droppings fell on the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium court.
  • A monkey was spotted in spectator and training areas during the event, with officials saying it was removed without incident.
  • Several players flagged health and comfort issues linked to Delhi's air, with Anders Antonsen withdrawing over pollution and Loh Kean Yew describing reduced stamina and mask use.
  • In a formal statement, the BWF acknowledged concerns about cleanliness, hygiene and animal control, cited haze and cold as operational challenges, and confirmed the venue meets requirements for the World Championships.
  • The Badminton Association of India initially distinguished problems in warm‑up facilities from the main arena, but the incidents have intensified scrutiny of India’s preparedness to host major events.