The India Open 2026 in New Delhi has come under intense scrutiny following a series of organisational issues, prompting Lakshya Sen’s coach Vimal Kumar to step in and defend the Badminton Association of India (BAI) amid growing criticism.
The tournament has witnessed multiple disruptions, including monkey sightings, bird droppings, worsening air quality, and, most notably, a bizarre incident during a women’s doubles semifinal when a bird’s nest fell onto the court, forcing play to be halted.
The incident occurred on Court 1 during the match between China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning and South Korea’s Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee. As Liu prepared to serve, twigs and debris suddenly fell onto the playing surface, prompting laughter from players and intervention from the chair umpire. Sweepers were called in, and play resumed after several minutes.
Speaking to NDTV, Vimal Kumar expressed disappointment over how the tournament has been portrayed but stressed that not all responsibility should fall on BAI.
“There are shortcomings, no doubt, but it is largely about cleanliness and infrastructure. If airport toilets can remain clean despite thousands of people, why can’t sports venues be maintained the same way?” Kumar said.
He added that while certain player needs—such as heating arrangements due to the cold—could have been addressed better, overall performance depends on playing conditions.
“If the shuttles are good and conditions are right, players will perform. This is a big event, and we aim to make it a 1000-level tournament in the future,” he noted.
‘Venue must be handed over in top-class condition’
Kumar also pushed back against suggestions that the controversies could hurt India’s aspirations to host major global sporting events, including the Olympics.
“It is a setback, yes, but the focus should be on improvement. We have excellent stadiums, but basic facilities like toilets matter. When a stadium is handed over to BAI, it must already be in top-class condition. You can’t give a dilapidated premises to an organiser and then blame them,” he said.
The criticism has not been limited to Indian voices. Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt also took to social media to describe the playing conditions as unprofessional, questioning the decision to award New Delhi the hosting rights for the 2026 World Championships.
As the India Open continues, the tournament has sparked a broader conversation about infrastructure readiness, accountability, and international standards in Indian sports hosting.
