India Open 2026: Bird droppings halt HS Prannoy vs Loh Kean Yew's match twice in Delhi
(Courtesy : BAI)
HS Prannoy lost his Round of 16 match against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.
The ongoing BWF India Open 2026 has been involved in controversy for a week, and on Thursday, the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex took it to a whole new level when HS Prannoy’s Round of 16 match against Loh Kean Yew was twice halted after bird droppings fell onto the court.
The thrilling Super 750 battle where the veteran Indian was giving everything after winning the first game against Loh Kean Yew of Singapore, turned into one of the most embarrassing moments for the hosts, when the play stopped in two different sets so that the officials could clean the surface.
The first halt came in the first game when Prannoy was leading 16-14, and the second in the third game when he was up 1-0.
The video of the incident quickly went viral online, in which Loh Kean Yew looked disgusted at the bird droppings and making a face as if about to vomit.
Despite the unusual interruptions, play resumed, and the Indian star put up a strong fight but eventually lost in a close three-game battle, 21-18, 19-21, 14-21.
However, the brd poop incident sparked outrage among fans and raised serious questions, especially as concerns over poor playing conditions have been in the spotlight ever since Danish star Mia Blichfeldt criticised the venue.
In an interview earlier this week she claimed that “the conditions are really poor. It was dirty last year, and it is no different this year as well.”
Nevertheless, the General Secretary of Badminton Association of India (BAI) Sanjay Mishra clarified that Mia was not referring to the Indira Gandhi Sports complex. He said, “it is important to note that she was referring to the KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training venue, and not the main playing arena.”
But, the playing conditions of India Open gained nationwide attention when World No. 3 Alexander Andersson withdrew from the tournament, citing Delhi’s extreme pollution as the reason. He shared an Instagram story showing a screenshot of the city’s Air Quality Index, which had crossed 300, a hazardous level.
“Many is curious to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the 3rd consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment I don’t thinks it’s a place to host a badminton tournament,” he said via instargam story.
The bigger concern is that India is scheduled to host the World Championships in just six months, and both Danish players have voiced worries about the venue not fit for suc tournaments. “Hoping it will be better this summer for the World Championships in Delhi. Unfortunately, BWF has fined me $5,000 again,” Antonsen wrote.
What happened during HS Prannoy’s Round of 16 match at India Open 2026?
Prannoy’s match against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew was halted twice due to bird droppings on the court. Despite resuming play, Prannoy lost in a close three-game battle, 21-18, 19-21, 14-21.
When did the interruptions occur in the match?
The first halt happened in the first game when Prannoy was leading 16-14, and the second occurred in the third game when he was up 1-0.
Which player withdrew from India Open 2026 due to Delh’s air pollution?
The World No.3 Alexander Andersson withdrew due to hazardous pollution levels in Delhi.
Which player critised the playing conditions at India Open 2026?
Danish star Mia Blichfeldt criticized the conditions at the training venue.
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Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.