After India Open controversy, Sports Minister urges SAI to safeguard athletes’ Olympic hopes

After India Open chaos, Sports Minister presses SAI to safeguard Olympic ambitions.

Taking note of organisational lapses at the India Open badminton tournament, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Monday to discuss corrective measures aimed at preventing a repeat of the fiasco.

The minister also met stadium administrators, who were notably absent during the tournament, and sought explanations for the chaos that overshadowed last week’s event. Sources say the lapses have created a “perception crisis” for India in a potentially decisive year for the country’s 2036 Olympic bid.

While Delhi’s poor air quality was beyond anyone’s control, SAI faced heavy criticism for issues that could have been managed, including bird droppings on the court, a monkey entering spectator areas, and poorly maintained facilities such as washrooms and training zones.

A source told PTI, “The minister has taken note, and SAI will submit details of corrective measures in the coming days.”

SAI, responsible for the stadium’s upkeep, bore the brunt of criticism as the venue also prepares to host the badminton World Championships in August. Danish player Mia Blichfeldt called the conditions “unhealthy” and questioned whether the marquee competition later this year could proceed smoothly at the same venue.

What went wrong at SAI

The Sports Authority, which runs national camps and maintains sports infrastructure, was found wanting in multiple areas during the India Open. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) was left to manage the media storm triggered by international players’ complaints, despite taking over stadium operations just weeks before the event.

“One Deputy Director-level officer could have controlled the situation, similar to how SAI managed the Para-World Athletics Championships at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last year,” a source said.

SAI has an annual budget of ₹830 crore, with infrastructure maintenance being a key responsibility. The IG Stadium is the main training base for gymnasts and hosts boxing competitions and training camps.

Impact on India’s Olympic bid

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has temporarily halted host city selection to reassess criteria based on member feedback. While Ahmedabad is India’s contender for 2036, incidents like those at the India Open create a negative perception internationally.

A source explained, “Corrective measures are necessary not just to rebuild confidence but also to show that India is serious about its 2036 Olympic ambitions. Competitors like Qatar, with a proven track record of hosting international events, are watching closely.”