The India Open 2026 was hit by another bizarre interruption after play in the women’s doubles semi-final was briefly halted when pigeons flew over the court, prompting officials to pause the match amid concerns about droppings landing on the playing surface.
The stoppage, though short, added to the growing list of complaints surrounding the event at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi.
Semi Final match again halted likely due to the Pigeon Poop incident at the Indian Open! 🤦♂️
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) January 17, 2026
The tournament has already faced criticism over a series of organizational mishaps, with players and fans pointing to everything from wildlife intrusions to facility issues that have fueled ridicule online and put the organizers under scrutiny.
The latest pigeon-related delay also comes against a backdrop of broader concerns at the venue. Reports over recent days have highlighted complaints about poor lighting, unclean areas, and even a monkey spotted in the stands, while Delhi’s seasonal air pollution has remained a major talking point throughout the tournament.
The pigeon problem is not new. Earlier in the tournament, a men’s singles match between HS Prannoy and Loh Kean Yew was interrupted after bird droppings landed on the court, forcing officials to stop play to clean the surface. That match was paused once when Prannoy was leading 16–14 in the first game and was then stopped again later for the same reason during the third game.
The incidents drew extra attention because they came shortly after the Badminton Association of India had suggested pigeons were only an issue around practice courts. Following the match, Prannoy confirmed the unusual cause of the stoppage but avoided directly criticizing conditions.
The India Open has also been under the microscope due to environmental and hygiene concerns, including complaints about bird droppings at a training venue earlier in the week and at least one notable withdrawal linked to Delhi’s pollution situation.
With the complex also slated to host the World Championships later this year, the repeated disruptions have only intensified questions about preparedness and venue management.
