India Open Venue Conditions Criticized by Player, BAI and Indian Shuttlers Respond

Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt criticized the playing conditions at the India Open held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, citing unhygienic surroundings, cold temperatures, and issues like bird droppings and a monkey sighting. She urged the Badminton World Federation to intervene ahead of the World Championships at the same venue. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) refuted these claims, stating Blichfeldt's concerns mainly pertained to the training venue, KD Jadhav Stadium, not the main arena, which they say is well-maintained. Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu defended the venue, noting that minor issues occur in international tournaments and that the facilities are adequate for play.