Overview
- Play in the women’s doubles semi-final was paused after material from a bird’s nest fell on court, days after bird droppings twice stopped HS Prannoy’s match against Loh Kean Yew.
- BWF acknowledged shortcomings in cleanliness, hygiene and animal control but said the Indira Gandhi complex meets Field of Play standards and is a significant upgrade over the previous venue.
- BAI called the India Open a deliberate test at a larger arena and pledged improvements ahead of the World Championships, with officials saying the issues are manageable.
- Players continued to voice concerns over conditions, with Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt calling the environment unacceptable and reports noting animal sightings including a monkey in the stands.
- Denmark’s Anders Antonsen skipped the event citing Delhi’s extreme pollution and was fined $5,000 by the BWF, while other players described breathing difficulties and reduced stamina.