New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially confirmed that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex fulfills the necessary Field of Play requirements for the upcoming World Championships. They also praised the Badminton Association of India for their swift response to concerns raised by foreign players during the ongoing 2026 Indian Open.

The BWF stated, "The transition to the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex ensures ample space for athletes and officials while meeting the BWF’s Field of Play requirements for the World Championships." They also mentioned that concerns related to seasonal issues previously reported by players are unlikely to arise during the Championships scheduled for August.

Danish player Mia Blichfeldt, currently ranked World No. 20, expressed strong concerns about pollution levels in Delhi, even pointing out instances of bird droppings on the court. Similarly, four-time world championship medallist Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open for the third consecutive year, citing Delhi’s severe pollution as the reason.

Both players urged the BWF to ensure that such conditions do not affect the upcoming World Championships in August at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Recently, a men’s singles match involving India's HS Prannoy and former World Champion Loh Kean Yew was briefly interrupted when bird droppings fell onto the court.

Although the BAI considered Blichfeldt's comments as general observations about the playing conditions, the BWF acknowledged that aspects such as cleanliness, hygiene, and animal control needed attention, and noted that the BAI acted promptly on these issues.

The BWF reiterated its commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment for all participants, expressing confidence that the conditions during the World Championships will satisfy all stakeholders.

In an official statement issued Thursday, the BWF remarked, "We have collaborated with players and teams during the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026 to evaluate conditions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. The feedback received—both positive and constructive—is crucial in enhancing the environment for this tournament and future championships. We appreciate the insights shared by players and the ensuing media coverage."

Despite encountering challenges in the past few days, the organizers expressed general satisfaction with how the BAI addressed these issues.

"Managing seasonal factors such as haze and cold weather affecting air quality and temperature within the venue posed challenges this week. However, our assessments indicate that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a substantial upgrade from the KD Jadhav Stadium, offering enhanced infrastructure," they stated.

While certain areas like cleanliness and animal control needed improvement, the BAI promptly addressed these concerns. Players also noted enhancements to the playing surface, flooring, gymnasium, and medical facilities.

The BWF recognized the shift from the KD Jadhav Stadium to the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex as an upgrade, asserting that the weather conditions at the time of the World Championship will be notably different.

"The transition to the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex ensures ample space for athletes and officials, aligning with the BWF’s Field of Play requirements for hosting the World Championships. Insights gathered this week will guide further enhancements to offer a world-class experience in August, where seasonal issues are not anticipated to be as intense.

"Our priority remains to ensure a safe, high-quality environment for all participants, and we are confident this will meet the expectations of all stakeholders. We are grateful for players and teams' valuable input and reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement in partnership with the BAI," the BWF concluded.