India Falls Short in International Event Hosting: A Pattern of Neglect and Lack of Humility

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India's track record in hosting international sports events is marred by a series of mishaps, ranging from poor air quality to unhygienic conditions, and a lack of attention to detail. The latest incident comes from the India Open badminton tournament in Delhi, where players were forced to compete in unhealthy conditions, including pigeons relieving themselves on the court and a monkey watching from the sidelines. The issue is not isolated to Delhi, as evidenced by the national boxing championship in Assam, which was delayed due to a lack of equipment and personnel. Similar incidents have occurred at the World Para Athletics Championships in Pune, where stray dogs bit several people, including coaches, and the stadium lacked wheelchair ramps and railings. The problem is not just a matter of incompetence, but also a lack of humility and a misguided belief that world-class standards can be compromised. The Badminton Association of India's response to complaints about the unhealthy conditions was to downplay the issue, saying that the comments were made in a broader context and that the athlete was simply expressing a personal perspective. This attitude is not unique to India, as evident from the Philippines' successful hosting of several international events, including the Volleyball World Championships and the FIFA's Women's Futsal World Cup. The Philippines' organising committee was 499-strong, with close to 2,000 volunteers, and the venues were spotless and well-maintained. In contrast, India's sports officialdom has a reputation for being arrogant and dismissive of criticism. The lack of attention to detail and the let-it-be mentality have become a hallmark of Indian sports events. It is time for a change, and for India to learn from the Philippines' example and strive to host world-class international events that meet the highest standards of quality and hygiene. The consequences of India's neglect are far-reaching, not just for the athletes and spectators, but also for the country's reputation and economy. It is time for India's sports officialdom to take a hard look at themselves and to make a commitment to improving the standards of international events in the country. Only then can India hope to host events that are truly world-class and that bring pride to the nation.