Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium upgrades ahead of BWF World Championships

The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has added barriers intended to keep pigeons and monkeys out before Delhi hosts the BWF World Championships from 17 to 23 August.

Organisers have replaced wooden doors with automatically locking double-door systems and installed nets over openings that could allow birds or animals inside. They have also sealed or repaired gaps in the roof and exhaust vents, and applied non-toxic gel at possible pigeon landing spots, Badminton Association of India general secretary Sanjay Mishra said.

The work follows disruptions during the India Open in January. A men’s singles match between Loh Kean Yew and HS Prannoy was stopped twice after pigeon droppings landed on the court, and a monkey entered the stadium. Players also complained about shadows on the court and poor air quality.

Sports Authority of India executive director Ambar Pratap Singh said structural work had been carried out across the stadium’s three main arenas and lighting issues had been addressed.

The tournament is set to bring reigning world champions Shi Yuqi and Akane Yamaguchi to Delhi, with PV Sindhu leading India’s women’s singles challenge.