The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI) have held discussions on preventive measures to avoid animal-related disruptions during the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi.

The BWF World Championships are returning to India after 17 years, with the prestigious tournament scheduled to begin at the IG Indoor Stadium on August 17. With organizers determined to avoid a repeat of incidents witnessed during the India Open earlier this year, several measures have been introduced at the venue.

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Vents have been sealed, while wooden doors have been replaced with a double-door entry system. An automatic outer door has also been installed ahead of the regular entrance to prevent animals from entering the arena.

A tip from the Railway Ministry also led organizers to a non-toxic gel ordinarily used to protect railway wiring. The slippery gel has now been applied around the stadium's ducting as an additional deterrent.

Portable machines that mimic the presence of predatory birds have also been installed as a final layer of defence, specifically aimed at keeping pigeons away from the courts.

Lessons From India Open

The measures come after the India Open in January was disrupted by animal-related incidents, including a monkey sighting and pigeon droppings and fragments of nests falling onto the court.

The incidents had caused distractions during matches and raised concerns over the preparedness of the venue.

“We will equip the whole arena with 24/7 security, and the glass gates will make sure that there are no distractions when the event is going on. We are using a slippery, non-toxic bird deterrent gel. We also have sound machines to keep the pigeons away,” BAI secretary Sanjay Mishra said.

The IG Indoor Stadium, which was originally built for the 1982 Asian Games and later renovated for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, is currently undergoing final preparations ahead of the championships.

Stadium Gets Major Upgrade

The venue is receiving several upgrades, including new seats, improved signage, new wooden flooring for the courts, a new lighting system, roof waterproofing and landscaping around the stadium.

Lighting has also been given particular attention following feedback from television viewers during the India Open.

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“The BAI received feedback from TV viewers during the India Open about the need to improve lighting on the courts. BAI has hired experts who work at the Indonesian Open and Indonesia Masters to make sure the lighting is perfect,” BWF Events Director (Tournament Operations) Selvaramesh Supramaniam said.

With the organizers combining venue upgrades with specific animal-prevention measures, preparations are now in their final stages.

The goal is to ensure that the BWF World Championships can take place without the unusual interruptions that overshadowed parts of the India Open earlier this year.