(LR) Pabitra Margarita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India; Sanjay Mishra, Secretary General, BAI; Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chairman, BAI and Chairman, Assam; Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Pullela Gopichand, National Team Head Coach, BAI; and Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, MYAS & DG, SAI along with the official mascot of BWF 2026 Peacko. (Image source: eBay)
NEW DELHI: With 30 days to go for the BWF World Championship, organizers on Saturday promised a hassle-free tournament after last year’s Indian Open was marred by pigeon droppings, monkey intrusion, dust and facility concerns.
TOI has learnt that the affordable hybrid shuttlecock will also be used, amid rising prices of shuttlecocks.Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the shortcomings exposed during the India Open have been comprehensively addressed ahead of the August 17-23 event, which is expected to cost the federation Rs 15-20 crore to host.
“The issues that arose during the Indian Open have been rectified and I am confident that it will be one of the best world tournaments in all aspects,” Mishra said.
Terming the Indian Open a “test event”, he thanked the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the overall improvements.To eliminate the danger of pigeons, a durable polyethylene bird netting will be installed under the roof structure to prevent birds from nesting while allowing for normal lighting and ventilation. Existing nests have also been removed,” Mishra said. Regarding the monkey intrusion, he said that the previously open overhead gates were closed, a three-door entry system was created and a security guard was deployed 24/7.
To address the stray dogs, BAI has coordinated with the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to shift the dogs to shelter homes, while dog trapping teams will remain on duty to ensure a dog-free place.
The stadium has also undergone renovation, including a new false roof, upgraded restrooms, drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging during monsoons, and powerful glare-free LED lighting to enhance the players and spectators’ experience.“India is moving towards becoming a sporting nation,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while unveiling the official mascot ‘Piyako’ and the anthem for the tournament, said, adding that the event will mark another milestone in the country’s sporting ambitions. BAI President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the tournament’s return after 17 years as a “historic moment” that would leave a lasting legacy for Indian badminton.