India Open 2026 Plagued by Bird Poop, Pollution, and a Monkey in Stands

• Play was halted twice on Centre Court during a men's singles match due to bird droppings falling from the ceiling at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
• Players, including Loh Kean Yew and Mia Blichfeldt, have raised serious concerns about Delhi's extreme pollution and unhealthy venue conditions.
• World No. 2 Anders Antonsen withdrew for the third consecutive year, citing pollution, and was fined USD 5,000 by BWF.
• Mia Blichfeldt criticized the venue as "very dirty" with pigeon droppings, calling conditions "unhealthy" for players.
• A monkey was spotted in the spectator gallery, adding to the series of organizational lapses and bizarre incidents at the tournament.

Why It Matters: India Open 2026 faces severe criticism over unhygienic conditions, pollution, and organizational failures.