PETALING JAYA: India have taken steps to ensure there will be no repeat of the problems that marred the India Open in January as the World Championships get underway in New Delhi today.
Conditions at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium have improved considerably, with better lighting and cleaner surroundings while the bird droppings and monkeys that were seen during the Indian Open are nowhere to be found.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky gave the venue the thumbs-up after Malaysia’s test court session yesterday, saying the playing and training facilities were in much better condition.
The toilets at the stadium have also been renovated and upgraded.
“We haven’t seen any monkeys or birds here, so there are no problems so far. Everything is good at the moment. The training courts are also new and the toilets are in good condition,” said Rexy.
China’s world No. 3 women’s singles shuttler Wang Zhiyi was also happy with the improvements, although she felt there was still some wind on court.
“I think the stadium has changed a lot, that’s very good. I just finished my training and I felt there was a little bit of wind on court, so we need to get used to the conditions,” she said.
The Indian Open in January drew criticism from players over several issues, including poor air quality and conditions at the venue.
Bird droppings were found around the training courts while monkeys were also seen roaming around the stadium.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) have since taken several measures ahead of the World Championships, including bringing in specialists to keep monkeys away from the venue.
