BAM urges BWF and India Open hosts to address air pollution, hygiene issues [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to address several organisational issues, including cleanliness and air pollution, at the ongoing India Open in New Delhi to ensure similar issues do not recur during the World Championships in August.

Media reports in India have highlighted bird droppings and other hygiene issues at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where the Super 750 event is being held.

BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said that they have yet to receive any formal complaints from national players and coaches competing there so far, but felt that media reports concerning the facilities and competition environment deserve attention.

"We have not received any complaints yet. However, if these issues have truly occurred, they must be addressed seriously by BWF and not just brushed off," said Kenny on Friday.

"BWF needs to conduct close monitoring so that the same issues do not recur during the World Championships.

"I believe BWF will engage and discuss with the organisers and address the problems that arose during this Super 750 tournament."

The organisational issues came under the spotlight after a second-round match involving Singapore's former world champion Loh Kean Yew and Indian shuttler H.S. Prannoy on Thursday was halted twice after bird droppings fell onto the court at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Denmark's world No. 3 Anders Antonsen revealed that severe air pollution in New Delhi was the reason he withdrew from the India Open for the third consecutive year, despite being fined US$5,000 (RM20,237) by the BWF.

Women's singles world No. 20 Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark had also complained about unhygienic conditions, including bird droppings and dust at the adjacent K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall, which is the warm-up hall for the India Open.

Meanwhile, Kenny felt that it is too early to suggest relocation of the World Championships to another venue due to these issues, as the major event will only be held on Aug 17-23.

"I think it is premature to make a remark (on relocation). We should wait and see the steps taken by the organisers and the BWF," added Kenny.

National men's singles coach K. Yogendran, who was in New Delhi to guide Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh at the India Open, felt that the major issue was the cold weather, as the temperature dropped to 13°C in the afternoon.

Jun Hao was also down with a fever, but he didn't put the blame entirely on air pollution or the cold weather for the shuttler's first round defeat.

"It was colder in New Delhi compared to last year and the pollution was there, but as players, we have to adapt to these difficult conditions," said Yogendran.

"Pollution could be a reason for Jun Hao falling sick, but there are many factors that can affect their health."

Yogendran said that it will be summer during the World Championships and players are not expected to face weather-related issues.