New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium prepared for Bad...

By Rohan Gupta — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Indira Gandhi Stadium undergoes extensive renovations

The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi is now prepared to host the upcoming Badminton World Championships. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has expressed satisfaction with the extensive renovations and cleaning efforts undertaken at the venue. These improvements address significant hygiene and facility concerns that were highlighted earlier this year during the India Open Super 750 tournament.

During the India Open in January, players and officials raised criticisms regarding poor hygiene, unclean toilets, and the presence of pigeons and monkeys within the complex. These issues led to disruptions, including debris from a bird’s nest falling onto the court during a semi-final match. Bird droppings were also observed on courts, and a monkey was seen in the stands.

Addressing past criticisms and ensuring a smooth competition

BWF Events Director (Tournament Operations) Selvaamresh Supramaniam confirmed that the world body conducted multiple inspections over the past seven months, noting significant improvements. Inspections took place in January, February, April, June, and in the days leading up to the championship. These visits confirmed that substantial work has been completed at the stadium.

The renovations included a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility. Damaged seats have been replaced, and extensive sealing and wiring work has been carried out. Broken ceilings were repaired, and waterproofing was applied to the roof. These measures aim to prevent a recurrence of the issues experienced during the India Open.

Efforts to manage pests and stray animals have also been a key focus. An anti-pest gel has been applied to the roof beams to deter birds from perching inside the arena. Supramaniam noted that he had not observed any pigeons or monkeys during his recent visits, suggesting these measures are proving effective. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also took action to remove stray dogs from the complex, with approximately 60 dogs reportedly rounded up and sent away.

Beyond hygiene, improvements are also being made to the tournament presentation, particularly regarding lighting. The lighting during the India Open was considered below expectations. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) agreed to bring in consultants from Indonesia, who have experience with the Indonesia Open and Indonesia Masters, to enhance the lighting. However, Supramaniam emphasized that the primary focus remains on delivering a problem-free competition, stating that competition comes first.

Sanjay Mishra, secretary of the Badminton Association of India, expressed confidence that issues related to birds and animals will not occur during the upcoming championship. He highlighted that the damaged ceiling and exposed wirings have all been repaired, and deep cleaning has been completed. The decision to hold the India Open at this venue earlier in the year served as a crucial step to identify necessary improvements, a goal that was achieved.

The Badminton World Championships will mark the return of the showpiece event to India after 17 years. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17-23.

China’s Shi Yuqi, the current world number one, is set to defend his men’s singles title. Last year’s women’s singles winner in Paris was Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. Cleaning efforts at the venue will continue until the tournament commences on August 17.

Source: m.rediff.com