Seven months after a series of disruptions marred the India Open, the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in Delhi has received glowing praise from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for its dramatic transformation. The venue, once plagued by issues ranging from cleanliness concerns to animal intrusions, is now being hailed as a "world-class" facility, successfully hosting the World Championships.
From Pigeons and Monkeys to Pristine Courts
During the India Open in January, the IGI Stadium became an unexpected talking point for all the wrong reasons. Matches were interrupted by pigeons, a monkey was spotted inside the arena, and Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt raised concerns about hygiene. Another player, Anders Antonsen, withdrew citing Delhi's pollution. These issues led many to question the stadium's suitability for major international events.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund expressed his astonishment at the rapid improvements. "I'm super impressed to see what has been established in this venue," Lund stated, acknowledging the earlier criticism but highlighting the extensive work completed in a remarkably short period. Players who had experienced the venue during the India Open have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the new arrangements.
Comprehensive Overhaul Addresses Every Concern
The India Open was intentionally held at the IGI Stadium as a test event, and the problems identified became a crucial checklist for organizers. Following a BWF report submitted to the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), a comprehensive renovation project was initiated.
- Animal Control: A major focus was eliminating animal intrusions. An anti-toxic gel system, similar to those used in airports, was applied to beams to prevent birds from perching. A triple-door system was installed to restrict animal entry, and stray dogs around the compound were relocated.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The work included critical repairs like roofing and waterproofing, upgrading electrical systems, and a thorough repainting of beams.
- Enhanced Hygiene: Toilets received new fittings and are now consistently clean. Notably, sanitary products, including pads and pee-safe sprays, are now provided in women's washrooms, a move widely welcomed by female players like Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour and South Africa's Johanna Scholtz.
Selvamresh Supramaniam, BWF Events Director for Tournament Operations, credited BAI and SAI for their responsiveness. "A lot of work has been done in the last six months... I have to give high marks to the BAI and the SAI, who embraced this challenge and did whatever we asked," he said.
Focus Returns to the Sport
Spectators have also noticed the improvements. Bhupesh Kumar, attending the World Championships, praised the clean toilets, comfortable seating, and overall improved atmosphere compared to his prior expectations. The practice venue was also refurbished with fresh paint and darker walls to enhance shuttle visibility.
While minor challenges like air-conditioning drift remain, these issues have not overshadowed the tournament as they did in January. Lund emphasized this shift: "I'll just hope from here on and on to the finals, the focus will be on what happens on that court down there because, frankly, we’ve had fantastic matches." The IGI Stadium's successful transformation means that for the World Championships, badminton is finally taking center stage.