Why is there a monkey when An Se-young returns... India, ahead of the World Championships, declares its intention to restore its reputation after halting matches due to bird droppings

*This content was translated by AI.

'Badminton Empress' An Se-young is set to return from injury at the World Championships, where host nation India aims to redeem itself. Having suffered international embarrassment in January due to various issues, India is determined to show a changed image this time.

Reuters reported on the 4th (Korean time) that "while the India Open held earlier this year in New Delhi, India, was marred by bird droppings, stray animals, and air quality issues, the World Championships organizing committee announced it is ready to hold this tournament more smoothly."

The 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships will be held from the 17th to the 23rd at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India.

Especially, this tournament is drawing attention as the comeback stage for 'Badminton Empress' An Se-young. An Se-young withdrew from the Japan Open of the BWF World Tour last month due to pain in her left foot ahead of the round of 16. She also did not participate in the China Open held afterward, focusing instead on recovery.

An Se-young will challenge for the top spot once again at this World Championships. With her sights set on back-to-back titles at the September Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, this tournament is expected to be an important stage to check her physical condition and match sharpness.

However, non-match factors could become variables. New Delhi, where the World Championships are being held, faced fierce international criticism during the India Open in January. This was because environmental issues that could directly affect players' performance and health occurred repeatedly, going beyond problems with stadium cleanliness and facilities.

The most absurd scene occurred during a match. In the matchup between Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and India's H.S. Pranoj, the game was suspended twice when a bird dropped droppings on the court.

Even monkeys appeared. At that time, Korea's Kang Min-hyuk seemed shocked by the unexpected appearance of a monkey and even posted about it on social media.

Additionally, Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon expressed dissatisfaction with the air conditioning environment, stating that the stadium was too cold.

Air pollution was also a serious issue. Reuters noted that "New Delhi is considered one of the world's capitals with the worst air pollution in winter" and pointed out that "poor air quality is a repeatedly raised issue in international sports events held in New Delhi."

It further reported that "at the India Open last January, Singapore's Loh Kean Yew admitted to having breathing difficulties. He wore a mask outside his hotel room," and added that "Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt also described the environment in New Delhi as 'unhealthy for one's health'."

With bird droppings, monkey sightings, air pollution, and air conditioning problems all compounding, host nation India could not avoid criticism that tournament preparations were not properly carried out.

However, the World Championships organizers have launched extensive improvement efforts to prevent a recurrence of the same issues.

Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), stated, "We have strengthened measures to prevent animals from entering. We have installed a triple-door system and activated a 24-hour security system. Entry points where animals could enter have also been sealed."

He further emphasized, "We are also cooperating with local authorities to relocate stray animals to other places."

BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund also explained that "after the India Open ended last January, the BAI moved quickly to address criticisms regarding stadium cleanliness and the environment."

Air quality is expected to be better than in January. New Delhi's August monsoon climate is known to be relatively better than its winter season.

Secretary General Lund stated, "The stadium roof has been inspected and waterproofing work has been carried out where necessary. The air conditioning system has also undergone testing, and lighting facility improvement work is underway."

General Secretary Mishra also expressed confidence, saying, "I am convinced that this tournament will be a world-class stage for players, officials, and fans alike to proceed without any hitches."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.