Hybrid shuttles, bird nets as glitches BWF World Championships plug India Open

(L-R) Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India; Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI; Himanta Biswa Sarma, President, BAI and CM Assam; Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Trainer, BAI; and Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, MYAS & DG, SAI along with Official BWF World Cup 2026 mascot Peack. (Photo credit: BAI) NEW DELHI: With 30 days to go before the start of the BWF World Championships, organizers on Saturday promised a trouble-free tournament after last year’s India Open was marred by pigeon droppings, monkey intrusion, dust and concerns about facilities. TOI has learned that cost-effective hybrid shuttles will also be used, amid skyrocketing prices of feather shuttles.Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the deficiencies revealed during the India Open had been comprehensively addressed ahead of the 17-23 event. August, which is expected to cost the federation anywhere between Rs 15-20 million to host.“The issues that arose during the India Open have been rectified and I am sure it will be one of the best World Championships in all aspects,” Mishra said. He called the India Open a “test event” and thanked the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the sweeping improvements.To eliminate the pigeon menace, an overhead polyethylene bird netting will be installed under the roof structure to prevent nesting of birds while allowing normal lighting and ventilation. “Existing nests have also been removed,” Mishra said. On the monkey entry, he said the earlier open upper gates were sealed, a triple door entry system was created and 24×7 security was deployed. To deal with stray dogs, BAI has coordinated with the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to shift the dogs to shelters, while dog capture teams will remain on duty to ensure a dog-free place.The stadium has also undergone renovations, including a new false ceiling, upgraded toilets, drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon, and powerful anti-glare LED lighting for a better experience for players and spectators.Unveiling the official mascot ‘Peacko’ and the anthem of the championship, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “India is moving towards becoming a sporting nation,” adding that the event will mark another milestone in the country’s sporting ambitions. BAI President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the return of the tournament after 17 years as a “landmark” that will leave a lasting legacy for Indian badminton.