'We will be little afraid to visit for World Championships': Foreign contingent, fans raise alarm over India Open

The ongoing India Open Super 750 badminton tournament has come under heavy criticism from players and fans, raising serious questions about India’s readiness to host the BWF World Championships scheduled for August this year.

The 2026 edition of the India Open is being held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, a shift from the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, where the tournament was previously staged. The IG Stadium is also expected to host the World Championships later this year, making the India Open a key test event.

However, several issues during the ongoing tournament have overshadowed the on-court action. Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt was one of the first players to publicly criticise the conditions in New Delhi.

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Three days after her initial remarks, she took to social media again, calling the situation “simply unacceptable and highly unprofessional” and questioning whether the World Championships can be held at the venue. She shared images showing bird droppings on the court and hazy conditions inside the stadium.

Since then, more incidents have added to the controversy. A monkey was spotted in the stands during a match, play was halted due to pigeon droppings on the court, and air pollution in the city has remained a major concern for visiting athletes.

A member of the Chinese Taipei team, speaking to Firstpost on condition of anonymity, said poor air quality, cleanliness, water and food have affected players’ preparations.

“I think the main problems are the air, cleanliness, water and food. We are cooking everything ourselves because we are afraid of the quality of outside food. We are spending a lot of time cooking for ourselves, and it is affecting the athletes’ preparations. They are not able to give 100 percent in practice,” the member said on condition of anonymity.

The official also questioned why such problems exist despite the tournament’s importance. “Many of us are confused as to why things are like this, despite it being an important competition,” the person added.

The Chinese Taipei team member also defended players who have withdrawn from the tournament due to the conditions.

“I don’t think it is right to punish players who have withdrawn because what they have said is true,” the official said, referring to reports that Denmark’s Anders Antonsen was fined by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) after pulling out, citing “extreme pollution”.

Asked if these incidents would influence their decision to return for future tournaments in India, the official admitted there were concerns. “Yes, we will be a little afraid to visit for the World Championships,” the Chinese Taipei member added.

Fans have also echoed similar concerns. Sameer, a badminton follower from Delhi, said that while the facilities are acceptable, the issues cannot be ignored.

“The facilities are decent enough, but we cannot ignore the issues that are being pointed out. There was an incident where a monkey was filmed, then there have been concerns about pigeon droppings, and there has also been discussion about hygiene raised by a Danish player. We are going to host a very big event in August, and if there are gaps, we need to address them,” he told Firstpost.

Meanwhile, another fan pointed out that air pollution remains a serious problem for visiting athletes at the India Open.

“If you are talking about pollution in Delhi, that is a fact. The figures clearly show it. We, as Delhiites, are used to it, so we may not feel it. But people coming from outside may immediately feel that there is pollution in the air. Badminton is a physical sport, and if players feel they are not able to breathe properly, then it becomes a problem,” the fan said.

Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew also spoke openly about the conditions after his win over HS Prannoy on 15 January.

“Yeah, of course. Anyone would. I am surprised you guys are okay,” Loh said, before adding that he tries to wear a mask and stay indoors as much as possible due to the pollution.

Following the criticism, both the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the BWF have issued statements. The BWF recently acknowledged issues related to “general cleanliness, hygiene and animal control,” but maintained that the IG Stadium is fit to host the World Championships. The BAI has assured that improvements will be made ahead of the August event.