Hybrid shuttles, bird nets as BWF World Championships plug India Open glitches | Badminton News
NEW DELHI: With 30 days left for the BWF World Championships To begin with, organizers on Saturday promised a trouble-free tournament after last year’s India Open was marred by pigeon droppings, a monkey intrusion, dust and facility concerns. TOI has learned that cost-effective hybrid shuttlecocks are also available, amid rising feather shuttle prices.Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the deficiencies exposed during the India Open have been comprehensively resolved ahead of the August 17-23 event, which is expected to cost the federation anywhere between Rs 15-20 crore to host.“The issues that arose during the India Open have been rectified and I am confident that this will be one of the best World Championships in every aspect,” Mishra said. Calling the India Open a “test event”, he thanked the sports ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the many upgrades.To eliminate the pigeon menace, heavy-duty overhead polyethylene bird netting will be installed under the roof structure to prevent nesting birds while allowing normal lighting and ventilation. “Existing nests were also removed,” Mishra said. On entry of the monkey, he said the previously open overhead gate has been sealed, a triple-door entry system has been created and a 24×7 security guard has been deployed. To deal with stray dogs, BAI is coordinating with the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to relocate dogs to shelters, while dog catching teams remain on duty to ensure dog-free areas.The stadium has also undergone a makeover, including a new false ceiling, upgraded toilets, improved drainage to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season and powerful glare-free LED lighting for an improved player and spectator experience.Minister of Sports Mansukh Mandaviyawhile unveiling the official mascot ‘Peacko’ and championship anthem, said, “India continues to be a sporting nation,” adding that the event will mark another milestone in the country’s sporting ambitions. BAI president and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the return of the tournament after 17 years “a momentous moment” that will leave a lasting legacy for badminton in India.
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