BWF Satisfied With Major Stadium Upgrades Ahead of World Championships in New Delhi

The venue had come under sharp criticism during the India Open Super 750 tournament in January after players and officials raised concerns over poor hygiene, unclean toilets, and the presence of pigeons and monkeys inside the complex.

BWF Events Director (Tournament Operations) Selvaamresh Supramaniam said the world governing body had conducted multiple inspections over the past seven months and found significant improvements at the venue.

"We visited the stadium in January, February, April, June and then in the last couple of days. A lot of work has been done," Supramaniam said.

He said the renovation work included upgrades to all the toilets, extensive deep cleaning, replacement of damaged seats, sealing and wiring work, replacement of broken ceilings, and waterproofing of the roof.

"Renovations to all the toilets, there's been a lot of deep cleaning done, damaged seats have been replaced, a lot of sealing, wiring work has been done, broken ceilings have been replaced and waterproofing was done on the roof," he said.

Supramaniam also said an anti-pest gel had been applied to the roof beams to prevent birds from perching inside the arena.

"They've finished putting gel on the roof. This gel prevents birds from sitting or perching on the beams, similar to what you'll find near airports."

He said the venue was in much better condition than it had been during the India Open, although cleaning operations would continue until the tournament begins on August 17.

"We are happy, but we still need to keep checking for the next few days on the cleaning that's being done. Understandably, there'll be a lot of workmen going in and out. And with rain, it is bound to get dirty. We just need to keep doing the cleaning."

Addressing concerns over stray animals and birds at the venue, Supramaniam said the situation had improved considerably.

"The last three days that I've been there, I've not seen any pigeons. I don't know whether that's because there are a lot of people or the gel is actually doing its job. I've not seen any monkeys as well."

He added that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) had also taken measures to remove stray dogs from the complex.

"From what I heard, they rounded up almost 60-odd dogs and they were sent away. There are still some, but they are confident they'll be able to round them up as well."

Supramaniam further said efforts were underway to improve the tournament presentation, particularly the lighting, after it drew criticism during the India Open.

"The lighting, if you remember, during India Open was below expectations. We are working on it. BAI agreed to bring in consultants from Indonesia, who have worked on the Indonesia Open and Indonesia Masters."

He, however, stressed that the primary objective remained delivering a smooth and trouble-free competition.

"Our main focus still is to deliver a tournament that's free from any problems. Competition comes first. The rest is all show."

The extensive renovation, enhanced maintenance measures, and continued monitoring at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium are aimed at ensuring the venue is fully prepared before the World Championships begin on August 17.