Badminton Association of India Prepares for World Championships in Delhi

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is gearing up to host the World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, starting Monday. This event comes after the association faced criticism earlier this year due to various disruptions during the Indian Open, including wildlife intrusions and inadequate facilities.

With a budget of approximately ₹25 crore, the Sports Authority of India has been overseeing significant renovations to the venue, which was originally constructed for the 1982 Asian Games. Improvements include new seating, upgraded wooden flooring, a modern lighting system, and a waterproofed roof. BAI officials, led by General Secretary Sanjay Mishra, are focused on ensuring a smooth tournament experience.

Mishra expressed the association's ambition to demonstrate its capability in hosting major events, especially with India preparing for future Commonwealth Games and a bid for the 2036 Olympics. He emphasized that the goal is to avoid the complaints that marred the previous tournament and to achieve success through a well-organized championship.