Can India Deliver the Best-Ever Badminton World Championships? BAI Says Yes

Determined to leave behind the controversies that overshadowed this year's India Open, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has expressed complete confidence that the upcoming BWF World Championships in August will set new standards for international badminton events in the country.

BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said every major issue reported during the India Open has been addressed through extensive renovations and infrastructure upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium . The January tournament had attracted criticism after leading international players complained about air pollution, unhygienic conditions , and the presence of pigeons and monkeys inside the venue, with matches even being interrupted by bird droppings.

Calling the India Open a valuable learning experience, Mishra said the event helped identify shortcomings that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. He credited the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Ministry for extending full support in carrying out large-scale improvements ahead of the prestigious World Championships.

To ensure the earlier incidents are not repeated, the stadium's entry points have been redesigned with a triple-door system , vulnerable openings have been sealed, and round-the-clock security has been deployed to prevent birds and animals from entering the arena. Mishra also confirmed that the pigeon nests that had caused disruption earlier have been removed and treated, expressing confidence that similar problems will not occur again.

Beyond solving the earlier concerns, the venue has undergone a comprehensive facelift. The false ceiling has been replaced , walls renovated, toilets upgraded, and the surrounding landscape beautified with greenery and a pond. Organisers are also introducing several spectator-friendly facilities, including food courts, children's play areas, giant screens, umbrella booths , and golf cart services for players and media personnel.

Flooring installation for the championship courts will begin next week, with all courts being prepared according to the latest BWF specifications .

Mishra also revealed that India is 99 per cent likely to accept an additional BWF Super 100 tournament from the 2027 season , further strengthening the country's growing position on the global badminton calendar. The host state will be decided based on available infrastructure and court facilities.

Looking ahead, the BAI also plans to organise mandatory seven to ten-day joint training camps before major team competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games , to improve team coordination while allowing players to continue training at their individual academies for personal tournaments.

With the World Championships approaching, Indian badminton officials are confident the upgraded venue will offer athletes and fans a significantly improved experience while showcasing India's ability to host world-class sporting events.