Bird Droppings, Monkey Sighting, and Pollution Concerns Affect India Open Badminton 2026

The 2026 India Open badminton tournament at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium faced multiple disruptions, including bird droppings halting HS Prannoy's match twice and a monkey entering spectator stands. Players like Denmark's Anders Antonsen withdrew, citing Delhi's poor air quality, while others raised concerns about hygiene and venue conditions. The Badminton Association of India defended the arrangements but acknowledged isolated incidents. These issues have sparked debate over India's readiness to host major international sporting events.