Bird Droppings Disrupt India Open Match a Day After Monkey Sighting
World Championship medallist HS Prannoy’s pre-quarter-final clash against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew at the India Open was disrupted twice due to bird droppings at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Play on Court 1, the tournament’s main television court, was halted on both occasions as officials stepped in to clean the surface after what appeared to be bird droppings fell from the ceiling.
Play on Court 1, the tournament’s main television court, was halted on both occasions as officials stepped in to clean the surface after what appeared to be bird droppings fell from the ceiling.
The incident came a day after Badminton Association of India (BAI) secretary general Sanjay Mishra had claimed that the venue was free of pigeons, while responding to criticism from Denmark shuttler Mia Blichfeldt over hygiene and training conditions.
“I think it was bird droppings which halted the game,” Prannoy said after his three-game loss to Loh. Despite the disruption, the Indian shuttler chose not to blame the playing conditions, even as several players voiced concerns over Delhi’s air quality and cold weather.
The India Open 2026 badminton tournament at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium had to be halted twice due to bird poop.
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) January 16, 2026
This was preceded by a monkey in the stands and complaints about pigeons in practice areas, poor air quality, extreme cold and stinking toilets.
Where is… pic.twitter.com/VOiU6EPdG2
World No. 2 Anders Antonsen had earlier withdrawn from the tournament, citing the capital’s severe pollution and stating that Delhi is not suitable to host badminton events at this time of the year.
“I don’t think so. It’s pretty much the same for all the players,” Prannoy said. “Once you are on court, it’s up to you how you deal with it. It is cold, for sure, but after the first few points, you get used to it.”
“I don’t think so. It’s pretty much the same for all the players,” Prannoy said. “Once you are on court, it’s up to you how you deal with it. It is cold, for sure, but after the first few points, you get used to it.”
Loh, meanwhile, admitted to experiencing breathing difficulties in Delhi. The Singaporean said he has been wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure due to the hazardous pollution levels recorded in the city over the past month.
The India Open has faced growing scrutiny over hygiene standards, particularly at the training venue, the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Mia Blichfeldt had earlier complained of bird droppings at the facility, describing it as unhygienic for the second consecutive year.
The India Open has faced growing scrutiny over hygiene standards, particularly at the training venue, the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Mia Blichfeldt had earlier complained of bird droppings at the facility, describing it as unhygienic for the second consecutive year.
Following the criticism, tournament organisers shifted training sessions from the KD Jadhav Hall to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, which is also scheduled to host the BWF World Championships later this August.
