India Open 2026 Faces Disruptions and Criticism Over Venue Conditions in Delhi

The 2026 India Open badminton tournament at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium faced multiple disruptions, including matches halted due to bird droppings and materials from bird nests. Players, notably Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt, criticized the venue's unhygienic conditions and poor air quality, questioning its readiness to host the upcoming World Championships. Additional concerns included a monkey sighting in the stands and visible garbage, prompting widespread criticism of event management and player welfare ahead of the August championships.