In response to the organizational lapses and criticisms that plagued the recent India Open badminton tournament, the Sports Ministry has directed the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This directive underscores the ministry's commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future, particularly as India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The India Open, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, one of the five stadia in Delhi maintained by SAI, faced a barrage of issues that tarnished its image. These included bird droppings on the field of play, a monkey entering the spectators' stands, and unhygienic conditions in training facilities and public utilities. Such incidents drew criticism from players and officials alike, with some international players, such as Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt, openly expressing their discomfort and calling for better facilities ahead of the World Championships scheduled for August at the same venue.
The proposed SOP aims to establish clear guidelines to ensure that all sporting events hosted in India are planned meticulously, leaving "zero scope of athlete discomfort," especially for international participants. The ministry intends to actively monitor preparations through this mechanism, ensuring accountability and adherence to universal standards. The SOP will specifically address venue cleanliness and security, accessibility, and the maintenance of utilities to guarantee a pleasant experience for both athletes and fans.
Historically, the Sports Ministry's involvement in sporting events has primarily been limited to providing financial assistance. However, given the stakes involved in India's Olympic aspirations, this approach is set to change. The ministry recognizes the need to be proactive rather than reactive, stepping in during the preparatory stage to oversee arrangements. As a senior government source stated, while National Sports Federations are desired to have the freedom to conduct events, the Sports Ministry is ultimately answerable in the public eye when issues arise. Therefore, it is only fair for the ministry to be involved from the planning stage.
While a specific timeline for finalizing the SOP has not been provided, officials suggest it should be completed within a few weeks. The decision to develop the SOP followed a recent meeting between Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and senior SAI officials, during which explanations were sought for the shortcomings observed at the India Open. Officials have described the lapses as triggering a "perception crisis" for India, particularly in what is considered a crucial year for the country's 2036 Olympic bid.
Looking ahead, the Asian Shooting Championship (rifle and pistol), scheduled from February 2nd to 14th at the Karni Singh Ranges in Delhi, will be the next major international event hosted in India. This event, also held at a venue under SAI's care, will serve as an early test for the effectiveness of the new SOP and the ministry's proactive approach. In addition to the Asian Shooting Championship, India is also set to host the Asian Weightlifting Championships in April in Ahmedabad and a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver athletics meet in Bhubaneswar in August.
