Parliament Question: Infrastructural facilities during India Open, 2026

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 705 ANSWERED ON - 05/02/2026 INRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES DURING INDIA OPEN 2026 705 SMT. PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that the India Open 2026 Super 750 was marred by bird droppings halting matches twice, monkeys in stands, filthy washrooms and cigarette butts; (b) whether a Danish shuttler has described such conditions as "unacceptable, highly unprofessional", questioning World Championships readiness that reflects infrastructure neglect; (c) the accountability fixed on the Sports Authority of India and the Badminton Association for providing the venue without basic cleanliness and animal control; and (d) the measures being taken to ensure that the August 2026 World Championships and 2030 Commonwealth Games will not face identical debacles? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA) (a) to (d): Yes sir, the Government is aware regarding certain incidents that occurred during the India Open 2026 Super 750 tournament. The venue fulfilled the technical and suitability requirements laid down by the Badminton World Federation for hosting international badminton tournaments. The event was organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), which had engaged specialized agencies for sanitation, security and crowd management, including measures for human and animal control. The Government remains committed to ensuring that all future international sporting events, including the World Badminton Championships 2026 and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, are conducted in accordance with international standards. ***** Page 1 of 1