Venue concerns have been addressed for World Championships: BAI

In January, the India Open badminton tournament at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. From poor air quality to lack of cleanliness at the venue, multiple issues overshadowed the quality of the badminton on display. Particularly glaring was the entry of a monkey into the stands of the playing arena and the interruption of matches due to bird excrement on the court. Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt notably underlined her unhappiness with the playing conditions, and a few other players echoed her criticism of the Super 750 event.

With a month to go for the World Championships in the national capital, Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said that these concerns have been addressed. Besides air quality in the national capital being better in the summer months, Mishra informed that BAI has taken steps to prevent bird droppings and monkeys making their way into the main arena.

“We have rectified the issues that were there. I am confident the upcoming World Championships will be one of the best ever, in terms of organisation, infrastructure and performance. The India Open was a test event. If we hadn’t held it at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, we wouldn’t have known the problems that could arise,” Mishra told reporters on Saturday.

“We have put two more doors in addition to the main door so that no stray animals can enter the arena. We will also have guards stationed there all the time. The ceilings have been changed. The toilets will be of the highest standard. Cleanliness won’t be an issue,” he added.

The official mascot, Peacko, and the anthem for the global event were unveiled in the presence of Assam Chief Minister and BAI president Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday. The World Championships will be held from August 17 to 23.