Bird Droppings Halt India Open 2026 Match Between Loh Kean Yew and HS Prannoy At Indira Gandhi Sports Complex (Watch Video)
A bizarre interruption involving bird droppings temporarily halted a men's singles match between India's HS Prannoy and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew at the India Open, highlighting potential logistical challenges for the tournament organisers.
A men's singles match at the prestigious India Open 2026 badminton tournament was briefly suspended today after bird droppings landed on the court, causing an unusual delay and drawing attention to the operational aspects of the event. The incident occurred during a highly anticipated encounter between India's HS Prannoy and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings. South Korea Badminton Player Kang Min-hyuk Spots Monkey Inside Practice Arena at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex Amid Players' Concern Over Conditions at India Open 2026 (Watch Video).
Embarrassment During Loh Kean Yew vs HS Prannoy India Open match
The match, which was already underway, saw play brought to a halt as officials and ground staff worked to clean the affected area of the court. Spectators and players alike appeared surprised by the interruption, which, while minor, underscored the various challenges that can arise during large-scale sporting events. The brief pause allowed for the swift resolution of the issue before play resumed. Danish Shuttler Mia Blichfeldt Renews Criticism of 'Dirty and Unhealthy' India Open 2026 Conditions.
Organisational Scrutiny
While such occurrences are rare, the incident has subtly brought the focus onto the tournament's infrastructure and maintenance. The India Open, a Super 750 event on the BWF World Tour, attracts top international talent and is a significant fixture in the global badminton calendar. Ensuring pristine playing conditions is paramount for the integrity of the competition and the safety of the athletes. Organisers typically face immense pressure to manage logistics, venue upkeep, and player welfare throughout the event.
The interruption, though quickly resolved, serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning and execution required to host an international sporting event of this calibre. While no official statement regarding the incident's cause or preventative measures has been issued, it is likely that organisers will review venue conditions to mitigate any similar future occurrences. The tournament continues to progress, with players vying for crucial ranking points and prize money.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2026 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).