After criticism during the India Open, SAI and BAI have overhauled the IG Arena in New Delhi with major upgrades ahead of the BWF World Championships
When the India Open was held in New Delhi earlier this year, the focus shifted away from badminton for all the wrong reasons.
Complaints about hygiene, poor lighting, air quality and even stray animals raised serious concerns about the readiness of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium to host top-tier international events.
Now, with the BWF World Championships set to return to the capital from August 17 to 23, the Sports Authority of India and the Badminton Association of India have undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of the venue, aiming to deliver a world-class experience for players and fans.
India Open controversy exposes cracks
The 2026 India Open, held at the same venue, turned into a testing ground that exposed multiple shortcomings. Players and officials flagged issues ranging from bird droppings on courts and uneven lighting to cold indoor conditions and poor air quality.
There were also disruptions caused by stray animals, including monkeys entering the stadium, which drew global attention and criticism.
The backlash raised questions about Indiaโs ability to host major international badminton tournaments, especially with the World Championships on the horizon.
Venue undergoes โcomplete transformationโ
In response, the SAI and BAI have moved quickly to address the concerns, promising a โcomplete transformationโ of the IG Arena ahead of the World Championships.
Officials have treated the India Open as a test event, using the feedback to identify gaps and implement targeted improvements across infrastructure, operations and maintenance.
More from SportsNew measures to ensure smooth conduct
The overhaul has introduced a mix of high-tech upgrades and practical solutions:
- Anti-pigeon measures, including non-toxic gels, to prevent bird interference
- โMonkey whisperersโ, trained to mimic langur calls and keep monkeys away
- Improved lighting systems to ensure uniform visibility across courts
- Upgraded air-conditioning and ventilation for better playing conditions
- Double-door entry systems to control crowd flow and prevent external disruptions
These steps are designed to eliminate the issues that plagued the India Open and ensure that matches proceed without interruptions.
Focus on hygiene and player comfort
One of the biggest areas of criticism earlier this year was hygiene. Organisers have since prioritised cleanliness, maintenance and overall venue management.
Additional efforts include:
- Regular cleaning protocols across playing and practice areas
- Better waste management and pest control systems
- Enhanced monitoring of indoor conditions
Officials have also worked to improve player comfort, ensuring stable temperatures and better air quality inside the stadium.
A test of Indiaโs global ambitions
Hosting the BWF World Championships is a significant moment for India, marking the first time in 17 years that the country will stage the event.
For organisers, the tournament is more than just a sporting event. It is an opportunity to showcase Indiaโs ability to host global competitions at the highest standard, especially as the country eyes future multi-sport events.
The Badminton World Federation has reportedly expressed satisfaction with the upgraded arrangements, indicating that the improvements have met international expectations.