Overview
- Play in H.S. Prannoy’s match against Loh Kean Yew was stopped twice when bird droppings landed on court, with the live broadcast avoiding the clean-up and offering a different on-air explanation.
- In a statement, the Badminton World Federation acknowledged shortcomings in cleanliness, hygiene and animal control, cited haze and cold as seasonal challenges, and said lessons will drive upgrades before the World Championships.
- Mia Blichfeldt renewed her criticism of “unacceptable” conditions and questioned Delhi’s readiness for the Worlds, while Anders Antonsen skipped the tournament over “extreme pollution” and said he was fined $5,000.
- Players reported pigeons on practice courts and a monkey in the stands, adding to concerns about venue hygiene and animal control alongside cold indoor temperatures.
- BAI leaders defended moving to the larger Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium as necessary to meet World Championships requirements, characterizing the India Open as a test run and promising remedial action.