New Delhi: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) secretary general Sanjay Mishra said that all the problems that surfaced during theIndia Open earlier this year have been fixed, expressing confidence that the BWF World Championships will be one of the best tournaments ever.

The India Open Super 750 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi sparked massive controversy in January earlier this year, after top players raised concerns over severe air pollution, unhygienic conditions, and the presence of pigeons and monkeys inside the venue.

“The issues that came up during the India Open have been rectified and I am confident this will be one of the best World Championships in every aspect, whether it is the infrastructure or the players’ experience,” Mishra told the media on Saturday.

“The India Open was a test event for us. Had we not conducted it, we would not have known the shortcomings in the stadium. The Sports Authority of India and the Sports Ministry have supported us immensely and worked very hard to address those issues,” he added.

During the India Open, pigeons nested in the ceiling vents and monkeys were spotted in the stands, attracting international criticism.

How will BAI tackle the pigeon and monkey issue? Sanjay Mishra explains

Mishra was also asked how the BAI has planned to prevent a repeat of the pigeon and monkey problem. He said that the gates above the venue were open earlier, but they have been closed.

“Apart from that, we are making it a triple door. There are two more doors in front of the main door. No one can come directly. Plus there will be a 24×7 guard there,” he added.

India Open matches were repeatedly stopped due to bird droppings falling onto the courts, including an early-round clash between HS Prannoy and Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew. Several players also faced the same issue near the auxiliary courts.

“The nests weren’t there before. A pigeon had laid eggs and because of that it was not coming out. That is not a problem now and some treatment has been done. I am 100 per cent sure that the problems we faced during the India Open will not be seen during the World Championships,” Mishra added.

He said that most of the renovation work has been completed, including the replacement of the false ceiling, and the walls have been renovated in many places. Mishra further added that the toilets have also been upgraded and they will be better than those at the Airport.

“There is also greenery all around, with a pond outside. The ministry is making the venue so beautiful that players can sit there even after their matches. The flooring installation will begin next week. It will take around 15 to 20 days. The court size specifications have been updated as per BWF requirements,” Mishra said.

The 30th edition of the BWF World Championships will begin on August 17 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

(With inputs from PTI)