From Pigeon-Proofing to Specialised Lighting: BAI Revamps Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Ahead Of BWF World Championships 2026

Preparations are in full swing as the Badminton Association of India (BAI) makes elaborate preparations to host the BWF World Championships after 17 years at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

From non-toxic slippery gel to prevent pigeons from perching over courts to specialised machines imported from the US mimicking the sound of predatory birds to reinforced glass doors to prevent entry during matches, the list goes on.

All these elaborate measures are done to avoid an unfortunate incident that occurred during the India Open. “We will equip the whole arena with 24/7 security, and the glass gates will make sure that there are no distractions when the event is going on. We are using a slippery, non-toxic bird deterrent gel. We also have sound machines to keep the pigeons away,” said Sanjay Mishra, secretary of BAI, to MyKhel on the sidelines of the BWF World Championships 2026 draw.

The BAI secretary also clarified that there are currently no monkeys at the stadium. The stadium administrator told me that he had not seen a monkey there in the past six or seven months. However, since a similar incident occurred previously, the authorities are aware of the potential risks and have taken all necessary precautions.

“The rainy season has also brought challenges involving stray dogs. We have already coordinated with the Delhi government and the MCD, and most of the dogs have been relocated. One or two may be moved to better facilities or shelters. We are not removing or harming the dogs; they are being relocated to shelters, and we do not foresee any issues with this arrangement,” Mishra added.

Hawkeye & Special Lighting From Indonesia

The tournament organisers have made extensive arrangements to ensure the venue meets international standards. A team of four lighting specialists from Indonesia will be brought in to oversee the court-specific lighting and ensure it complies with Hawkeye’s technical requirements. The experts will inspect the lighting setup ahead of the tournament and certify that all necessary standards have been met.

Hawkeye technology will be available throughout the tournament, along with the advanced systems and equipment commonly used at leading international sporting events.

Several measures have also been introduced to enhance the spectator experience. A dedicated food court will be set up near the second court, while a range of activities are being planned to increase fan engagement. Additional screens will also be installed at strategic locations, allowing spectators to keep track of live matches even when they are away from the main seating areas.

Given the tournament’s timing during the rainy season, special attention has been paid to drainage and the prevention of waterlogging. The Ministry has undertaken significant work to address these concerns and ensure the venue remains functional during adverse weather conditions. President Himanta Biswa Sarma has been closely monitoring the preparations, with regular discussions taking place on the progress of the arrangements. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry have also provided strong support throughout the preparations.

With the comprehensive planning and support in place, the BAI Secretary expressed confidence that the tournament will be successfully conducted and prove to be a major success. “I am confident that the tournament will be a grand success,” Mishra added.

BWF World Championships 2026: India’s Cultural Heritage In Display

Meanwhile, there have been many cosmetic changes as well, which have been laid out in a meticulous plan by the Sports Ministry to showcase India’s cultural heritage during the BWF World Championships 2026. According to officials from the sports ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity, SAI is set to put pictures of local tribal arts like Gond art and Warli Art to showcase tribal art and culture, showcasing the cultural diversity of India. The government has also released a fund of Rs 50 crore to help BAI host other tournaments as part of the BWF World Tour.

Built for the 1982 Asian Games and refurbished for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the indoor stadium is receiving final upgrades. The work includes new seating, improved signage, wooden court flooring, modern lighting, roof waterproofing and external landscaping, ensuring the venue is better equipped, visually refreshed and ready to host the upcoming tournament.