Concerns Raised Over India Open 2026 Facilities Amid Criticism from MPs

The ongoing India Open 2026 in New Delhi has come under fire from Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi and Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi for inadequate facilities. Reports of bird droppings interrupting matches and monkeys in the stands have raised serious concerns about the event's governance. Additionally, Danish players have withdrawn due to severe air pollution. The Badminton World Federation has acknowledged the issues and is working on improvements. This situation raises questions about India's readiness to host global sporting events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 12:47 IST

MPs Highlight Governance Issues at India Open 2026

Abhishek Singhvi, a Congress Rajya Sabha MP and Senior Advocate, along with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, has raised concerns regarding the ongoing India Open 2026 in New Delhi. Chaturvedi emphasized that 'world-class sport requires world-class governance.' Their remarks come in light of reports detailing inadequate facilities at the tournament, which is taking place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Recently, matches were interrupted due to bird droppings on the court, and there were also reports of monkeys being spotted in the stands. This situation follows allegations from Danish player Mia Blichfeldt about poor playing conditions, while fellow Danish player Anders Antonsen withdrew from the event, citing severe air pollution in the capital.

Criticism of Infrastructure and Governance

On social media platform X, Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the infrastructure issues at the BWF tournament, especially as India aims to host the Olympics. She stated, 'Bird droppings interrupting international badminton matches, monkeys in the stands, and international players withdrawing due to air pollution are all happening at the India Open Super 750 in Delhi.'

Abhishek Singhvi echoed these sentiments, condemning the poor conditions at the India Open. He remarked, 'Bird droppings stopping international matches, monkeys in the stands, and players struggling with pollution. This is not a joke; this is the India Open Super 750 in our national capital. If we wish to host global events, we must stop embarrassing ourselves. World-class sport demands world-class governance, not makeshift solutions.'

BWF's Response to the Concerns

In response to the criticism, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) stated that it has been in contact with players and teams to assess the conditions at the India Open 2026. They acknowledged both positive and constructive feedback. While recognizing challenges posed by seasonal factors like haze and cold weather, the BWF noted that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant improvement over the previous venue, meeting field-of-play standards and providing better infrastructure. They assured that issues related to cleanliness and animal control were promptly addressed by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), and that feedback from the tournament will inform further enhancements for future events.