SAI and BAI make extensive preparations for a smooth World Championships experience.

In preparation for the upcoming BWF World Championships, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have undertaken extensive renovations at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This venue, which is set to host the prestigious championships for the first time in 17 years, aims to avoid the issues that marred the India Open earlier this year, including infrastructure problems and the intrusion of wildlife.

Since February, significant structural and cosmetic upgrades have been made to the stadium, as revealed by Ambar Pratap Singh, the Executive Director of SAI's newly established engineering division. "The infrastructure was quite old, and we encountered numerous structural damages that required attention," Singh stated. Key improvements include the treatment and repair of the aging roof to ensure it is waterproof, the restoration of expansion joints, and the replacement of numerous seats in the spectator area.

To address the issue of wildlife, particularly pigeons and monkeys, the venue has implemented several innovative measures. Automatic glass double doors have been installed at all entry points to the main arena and its associated buildings, which include the velodrome and K.D. Jadhav Hall. Additionally, non-toxic gel has been applied to deter pigeons from landing on the courts, while specialized machines that emit sound frequencies are being used at night to repel birds. Furthermore, a team of three individuals has been hired to mimic the calls of langurs, a tactic aimed at keeping monkeys at bay.

In addition to wildlife control, the lighting system has also been upgraded to eliminate any shadows on the newly installed wooden courts. Sanjay Mishra, secretary of BAI, noted that while lighting was not a significant issue during the India Open, enhancements have been made to meet the expectations of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). "The BWF is satisfied with the lighting in both the competition and practice arenas," he confirmed.

Recent heavy rainfall has also proven beneficial, allowing officials to identify and rectify any structural issues before the championships, scheduled for August 17-23. Singh mentioned that any leakages discovered during this period have been addressed, and part of the K.D. Jadhav Hall has been upgraded for practice use, ensuring that the venue is fully prepared for the international event.