Ayush Shetty expressed confidence in New Delhi to deliver a successful BWF World Championship as the mega event returns to India after 17 years.
The competition will take place at the Indira Gandhi Arena (IGA) in New Delhi, which also hosted the India Open earlier this year.
The competition had sparked major controversy as several issues were reported, including bird poop on the court as well as monkeys being spotted on the ground. Meanwhile, overseas players also complained of cleanliness issues.
After the problems faced during the tournament, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has left no stone unturned for the mega event and revealed that the IGA has given a ₹20 crore makeover. This has included measures such as vents being sealed and a double-door entry system being introduced while a non-toxic gel is applied on the stadium’s ducting. Portable machines that mimic the noise of predatory birds have also been installed. Meanwhile, professional monkey whisperers have also been hired.
Ayush Shetty Expressed Confidence On Preparedness
While the proof will be in the pudding and the reality of the preparation by the BAI and Sports Association of India (SAI) will be known once the tournament starts, Ayush claimed that he is confident that this tournament will go much better than the India Open. Responding to a question from Sports Now during a select virtual media interaction, the 21-year-old claimed other players also have the same belief.
“I think definitely the World Championship is a much bigger event, and I feel it will be much better. There were some issues, but going into it now, I think everything will be resolved, making it a much better venue. I’m really excited to play there again, and all the other players also believe it will be a much better tournament that they are looking forward to,” said Ayush.
Ayush Shetty On Playing At Home
Meanwhile, answering another question, the youngster claimed while there is pressure of playing at home, he is excited to take center stage on home soil when the competition kickstarts on 17th August with a blockbuster battle against Shi Yu Qi on the cards in the first round.
“I think it’s both. You know, there is pressure, but I think it’s more of an excitement, you know, playing in home. I think it’s a really special feeling, and it’s also my World Championship debut. So, I think I’m really excited for it,” said Ayush.
However, he dismissed the pressure of setting a benchmark for future generations of shuttlers in India and claimed his focus is on his performances and called it a great opportunity to make his debut in India.
“I don’t see it as a benchmark to chase. I would like to set my own benchmark, so I’m not focusing on what others have done-they are the legends of the game. I’ve been focusing more on myself, playing better, and winning matches. As for setting a benchmark for the next generation, I wouldn’t want to overthink that either. I just want to enjoy the game. Playing at home definitely brings pressure, but it’s a great opportunity for me to make my World Championship debut in India, and I see it as a really special tournament,” Ayush stated.
BWF World Championships Return To India After 17 Years
This is only the second instance in the 49-year history of the BWF World Championship that the competition is taking place in India. The only other instance of the competition being held in India was in 2009 when Hyderabad hosted the event at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
Ayush claimed that being only three years old at the time, he does not have any memory of the tournament but pointed how the sport has grown in the country since then.
“I don’t really remember the 2009 tournament, but when I was 14, I definitely didn’t have the support system that a 14-year-old has now. Even though I was doing well in India and was among the top five national players, the sport has grown significantly since then-especially with access to physios and trainers. Badminton in India has really grown, and it’s great to see. Hosting the World Championships in India means a lot more people will be watching, which is definitely a positive for the sport, and I hope Indian badminton performs well at this event,” Ayush said.