New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium ready for Badminton World Championships
Preparations for the World Championships
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has expressed satisfaction with the extensive renovations and cleaning efforts at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. These improvements have been implemented in preparation for the upcoming World Championships, which are scheduled to begin on August 17 and conclude on August 23. The venue is now deemed fully prepared to host the event, addressing significant hygiene and facility concerns that arose earlier in the year.
This marks the return of the showpiece event to India after 17 years. The stadium had faced considerable criticism during the India Open Super 750 tournament in January, when players and officials raised complaints about poor hygiene, unclean toilets, and the presence of pests within the complex.
Addressing Past Criticisms
Selvaamresh Supramaniam, the BWF Events Director for Tournament Operations, confirmed that the world body conducted multiple inspections over the past seven months. These inspections, which occurred in January, February, April, June, and in the days leading up to the announcement, revealed significant improvements. He noted that a substantial amount of work has been completed at the venue.
The renovations included a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility. All toilets have been renovated, damaged seats have been replaced, and extensive sealing and wiring work has been carried out. Broken ceilings have also been repaired, and waterproofing measures were applied to the roof to prevent leaks.
Efforts were also made to address the issue of pests and stray animals. An anti-pest gel was applied to the roof beams to deter birds from perching inside the arena. Supramaniam observed that the venue was in a much better condition compared to the India Open, though cleaning efforts are set to continue until the tournament commences.
Regarding stray animals, the situation has reportedly improved. Supramaniam mentioned that he had not observed any pigeons or monkeys during his recent visits. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also took steps to remove stray dogs from the complex, with approximately 60 dogs reportedly rounded up and relocated.
Ensuring a Smooth Competition
Sanjay Mishra, Secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), expressed confidence that issues related to birds and animals would not recur during the World Championships. He confirmed that the damaged ceiling and exposed wiring have been repaired, and deep cleaning has been thoroughly conducted.
The India Open served as a crucial test for the venue, allowing organizers to identify necessary improvements. Supramaniam acknowledged the negative publicity surrounding the previous event but noted that it motivated all parties involved to make the required changes. He emphasized that the primary focus remains on delivering a problem-free competition.
In addition to hygiene and pest control, efforts are also underway to enhance the tournament’s presentation, particularly the lighting. The lighting during the India Open had been criticized for being below expectations. The BAI agreed to bring in consultants from Indonesia who have experience working on events like the Indonesia Open and Indonesia Masters to improve this aspect. However, ensuring a smooth competition remains the top priority for the organizers.
The men’s singles title will be defended by Shi Yuqi of China, while Akane Yamaguchi of Japan was the women’s singles winner in Paris last year.
Source: m.rediff.com
Priya Menon 