(L-R) Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India; Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary BAI; Himanta Biswa Sarma, President, BAI and CM of Assam; Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports; Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach, BAI; and Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, MYAS & DG, SAI along with BWF World Championships 2026 official mascot Peacko. (Photo credit: BAI)

NEW DELHI: With 30 days remaining for the BWF World Championships to kick-off, organisers on Saturday promised a trouble-free tournament after last year’s India Open was marred by pigeon droppings, a monkey intrusion, dust and facility concerns. TOI has learnt that cost-effective hybrid shuttlecocks will also be used, amid soaring feather shuttle prices.Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the shortcomings exposed during the India Open have been comprehensively addressed ahead of the Aug 17-23 event, which is expected to cost the federation anywhere between Rs 15-20 crore to host.“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,” Mishra said. Calling the India Open a “test event”, he thanked the sports ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for extensive upgrades.To eliminate the pigeon menace, heavy-duty overhead polyethylene bird netting will be installed beneath the roof structure to prevent birds from nesting while allowing normal lighting and ventilation. “The existing nests have also been removed,” Mishra said. On the monkey intrusion, he said the previously open overhead gates have been sealed, a triple-door entry system created and a 24×7 security guard deployed. To tackle stray dogs, BAI has coordinated with the Delhi govt and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to shift dogs to shelter homes, while dog-catching teams will remain on duty to ensure a dog-free venue.The stadium has also undergone renovation, including a new false ceiling, upgraded toilets, drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon and powerful glare-free LED lighting for enhanced player and spectator experience.Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while unveiling the official mascot ‘Peacko’ and championship anthem, said, “India is moving towards becoming a sporting nation,” adding that the event will mark another milestone in the country’s sporting ambitions. BAI president and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the tournament’s return after 17 years “a landmark moment” that would leave a lasting legacy for Indian badminton.