India says badminton worlds will avoid monkey repeat

Indian badminton officials said Wednesday that monkeys, bird droppings and other animal-related problems would not disrupt this month's world championships in New Delhi, after hygiene problems marred the India Open earlier this year.

The badminton world championships return to India after 17 years and will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23.

The same venue was criticised after play at the India Open was disrupted on several days in January 2026. Debris from a bird's nest fell onto the court during a semi-final match, bird droppings were seen on courts and television pictures showed a monkey entering the stands.

“I am 100 percent sure that this time the pigeon-related or any kind of bird and animal-related problems will not occur during the world championship,” Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay Mishra told AFP.

Badminton World Federation official Selvaamresh Supramaniam said work at the venue included waterproofing, applying gel to the roof to stop pigeons perching on beams, repairing damaged ceiling areas and exposed wiring, and deep cleaning.

The draws for the 30th edition of the world championships were announced in New Delhi on Wednesday. China's Shi Yuqi will defend his men's singles title, while Japan's Akane Yamaguchi won the women's singles in Paris last year.