The India Open badminton tournament faced unexpected disruptions this week. A crucial match between Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and India's HS Prannoy was halted not once, but twice due to an unusual problem.
Match Interrupted by Bird Droppings
During the first game of their encounter at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, play stopped abruptly. The score stood at 16-14 when bird poop landed directly on the court surface. Officials immediately suspended the match to clean the area.
This was not an isolated incident. The same problem occurred again during the third game. Players had to wait while staff cleaned the court thoroughly. This double interruption affected the flow of the competitive match.
BAI's Previous Statement Questioned
Just two days before these incidents, the Badminton Association of India made a specific statement. They claimed pigeons were only present in the practice courts, not the main competition arena. The repeated halts during the Loh-Prannoy match directly contradicted this assurance.
Spectators and players expressed frustration over the disruptions. Such incidents are rare in professional badminton tournaments of this stature.
Monkey Sighting Adds to Concerns
Separately, another unusual sighting occurred at the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium. During practice sessions for the Indian Open 2026, a monkey was spotted in the practice arena. Videos and photos circulated on social media showing the animal moving through the facility.
This added to growing concerns about venue management and wildlife control at the tournament venues. Having wild animals in close proximity to athletes raises safety questions.
Tournament Organizers Face Scrutiny
These back-to-back incidents have put tournament organizers under the microscope. Fans and commentators are questioning preparation and maintenance standards. Professional tournaments require controlled environments where athletes can compete without such distractions.
The India Open is a prestigious event on the badminton calendar. Players from around the world participate, expecting world-class facilities. These unusual disruptions have unfortunately overshadowed some of the sporting action.
Organizers now face pressure to address these issues promptly. They must ensure similar incidents do not occur during remaining matches. The tournament continues despite these unexpected challenges.
