New Delhi: The opening days of the India Open Super 750 tournament faced criticism over air quality, extreme cold, general hygiene, and the presence of stray animals at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. In response, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued a detailed statement on Thursday, assuring stakeholders that the venue meets international standards and is suitable for hosting the upcoming World Championships in August.
The federation acknowledged the concerns raised by players and the media while outlining the steps taken to address them during the event. “The feedback received — both positive and constructive — is invaluable in shaping the best possible environment for this tournament and future championships,” the BWF said. Danish player Mia Blichfeldt had described the conditions as “unhealthy,” sparking social media attention and calls for swift improvements. Other participants also cited challenges posed by pollution and cold weather in the national capital.
The BWF noted that seasonal factors such as haze and low temperatures had impacted air quality and indoor conditions. Despite these challenges, the federation emphasized that the new venue offers significant upgrades over the previous KD Jadhav Stadium, including enhanced playing surfaces, gym facilities, and medical support.
Addressing operational concerns, the BWF acknowledged issues related to hygiene, cleanliness, and stray animals but stated that the Badminton Association of India (BAI) acted promptly to rectify them. “Players have also noted the positive enhancements to the playing surface and flooring, gymnasium, and medical facilities,” the statement added.
The federation reiterated that the move to the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex was intended to meet BWF’s Field of Play requirements and provide more space for athletes and officials. Lessons learned from the India Open will guide further improvements ahead of the World Championships, where seasonal conditions are expected to be less severe.
“Our priority remains ensuring a safe, high-quality environment for all participants,” the BWF said. “We thank players and teams for their valuable input and reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement in partnership with BAI.” The event serves as a crucial test for the venue ahead of the high-profile international tournament later this year.
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