India's 2036 Olympic Bid Hit by India Open Fiasco: Sports Minister Calls for Urgent Fixes
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Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken a strong stance against the Sports Authority of India (SAI) following the chaos at the India Open badminton tournament. The minister met with SAI officials on Monday to discuss corrective measures that would prevent a repeat of the fiasco, which has raised serious concerns about India's 2036 Olympic bid. The tournament was marred by organisational lapses, including bird poop on the field of play, a monkey in the spectators' stand, and poorly maintained facilities. These incidents have created a perception crisis for India, particularly in a year when the country is bidding to host the Olympics. Although Delhi's poor air quality was beyond its control, SAI is under pressure to explain the mishaps. The minister has asked SAI to provide details of corrective measures within the next few days. SAI, responsible for the upkeep of the stadium, has drawn heavy criticism for its failure to maintain basic facilities. The incident has also raised questions about SAI's capabilities, with some sources suggesting that a more senior official, such as a Deputy Director, was needed to take control of the situation. SAI's budget for the current financial year is ₹830 crore, with infrastructure upkeep being one of its primary responsibilities. The India Open fiasco has significant implications for India's Olympic bid, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expected to reassess its criteria for host selection. India will face competition from countries like Qatar, which has a proven track record of hosting smooth international events. To rebuild confidence and show its commitment to the 2036 Olympic bid, India needs to take urgent corrective measures to address the organisational lapses at the India Open. The Sports Minister's intervention is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether SAI will be able to implement the necessary changes to prevent a repeat of the fiasco.
