The India Open 2026, currently underway at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi, has been mired in controversy over venue arrangements. On 15 January, a second-round men’s singles match between India’s HS Prannoy and Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew became the center of attention when it was halted twice due to bird droppings.
New Delhi: In the men’s singles second-round clash, HS Prannoy lost to eighth-seeded Loh Kean Yew 18-21, 21-19, 21-14. However, the match was interrupted twice after droppings from a bird landed on the court—a moment widely shared on social media.
Venue Concerns at India Open
Questions have been raised about the organization and arrangements at the indoor stadium. Several shuttlers have criticized the venue, including Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt, who flagged issues regarding training conditions and cleanliness. The Secretary-General of the Badminton Association of India, Sanjay Mishra, recently stated that the venue is “pigeon-free.”
During the match, the bird droppings were cleaned mid-game. After the match, HS Prannoy told the media, “I think it was bird droppings that caused the stoppage.” The incident has since gone viral online.
Andersen Antonsen Withdraws
World No. 3 shuttler Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the tournament, citing Delhi’s pollution and cold weather as unsuitable conditions for competitive play. His withdrawal has incurred a $5,000 fine.
Adding to the bizarre incidents, a monkey was recently spotted inside the stadium during another match, highlighting ongoing organizational challenges at the India Open 2026.
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