NEW DELHI: I have 30 days left BWF World Championship for starters, organizers on Saturday promised a trouble-free tournament after last year’s India Open was marred by pigeon droppings, monkey encroachment, dust and venue concerns. TOI has learned that cheap hybrid shuttlecocks will also be used, amid rising feather prices.Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the weaknesses revealed at the India Open had been adequately addressed ahead of the Aug 17-23 event, which is expected to cost the federation anywhere between Rs 15-20 crore to run.“The issues that came up at the India Open were fixed and I believe this will be one of the best tournaments in the world,” Mishra said. Calling the India Open a “testing event”, he thanked the sports ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the promotion.In order to solve the problem of pigeons, polyethylene bird netting is placed under the roof to prevent the birds from being trapped and allow light and ventilation. “The existing nests have also been removed,” Mishra said. For the monkey encroachment, he said the upper gates which were opened earlier have been sealed, a three-door entrance has been made and 24×7 security guards have been installed. To deal with stray dogs, BAI has tied up with the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to relocate dogs to shelters, while dog-killing teams will remain on duty to ensure a dog-free environment.The stadium has also been renovated, including a false ceiling, elevated toilets, drainage to prevent flooding during storms and high-intensity, glare-free LED lighting to improve the experience of players and spectators.Minister of Sports Mansukh Mandaviyaunveiling the famous mascot ‘Peacko’ and the championship song, he said, “India is moving forward to become a sports nation,” adding that the event will also mark another milestone in the country’s sports scene. BAI president and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the tournament’s return after 17 years a “marked moment” that would leave a lasting legacy for Indian badminton.
