NEW DELHI, Jan. 16 -- The India Open - the country's biggest badminton event - is getting embroiled in one controversy after the other. Two days after Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt complained of birds and bird droppings on the practice courts of the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, bird droppings halted a men's singles match of the Super 750 event, not once but twice, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. With India's HS Prannoy leading 16-14 in the opening game of his second round match against former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore, play was stopped as both the shuttlers approached the net to look at something that had dropped from the ceiling. "It was bird shit which kind of halted the game," Prannoy said after the match. A tournament official came with a cleaner to wipe the excreta as play resumed after a gap of three to four minutes. Just after the first point of the deciding game, the birds were at it again. Prannoy looked down and then pointed towards the roof, indicating what had happened to the umpire. Once again, play was stopped for about three to four minutes before it resumed again. Badminton courts are supposed to be completely dry as even a droplet can lead to a slip which can cause injuries. So courts are wiped between points whenever there is sweat on the floor. On Wednesday, world No.3 Anders Antonsen of Denmark had said that he had pulled out of the event for the third year running due to "extreme" air pollution levels, incurring a $5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Asked if he too is having difficulty, Loh said: "Yeah, of course, anyone would. My stamina has dropped two levels with the haze going on. I am surprised you guys are okay. I just wear my mask when I can. I just try and stay indoors as much as possible. There is nothing that I can do." This is in addition to a couple of monkeys that had made their way into both IGI Stadium and adjacent KD Jadhav Indoor Hall on Wednesday. With so many complaints coming in, BWF issued a statement to clarify their stance on Thursday. "The BWF has engaged with players and teams during the India Open 2026 to review conditions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The feedback received - both positive and constructive - is invaluable in shaping the best possible environment for this tournament and future championships. We also acknowledge the comments shared by players and the subsequent media coverage," said the statement. "Managing factors related largely to seasonal conditions, such as the haze and cold weather affecting the air quality and temperature inside the venue has posed challenges this week. However, our assessments confirm that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex represents a significant upgrade from KD Jadhav Stadium, offering improved infrastructure." The venue is scheduled to host the BWF World Championships in August and this India Open is being used as a test event. "While some areas of implementation, including general cleanliness and hygiene plus animal control have required attention, the BAI has acted promptly to address these concerns. Players have also noted the positive enhancements to the playing surface and flooring, gymnasium, and medical facilities," said BWF. "The move to the IG Sports Complex provides greater space for athletes and officials and meets BWF's Field of Play requirements for hosting the World Championships. Insights gathered this week will guide further upgrades to deliver a world-class experience in August, where the seasonal issues are not expected to be as severe."...