IBL, India Open could move out of Delhi after BAI's frustration with city officials

The Indian Badminton League and the India Open Super Series have been suffering in the nation’s capital lately and might be heading out of the city permanently.

Frustrated with the hostile attitude of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and ridiculous demands of the city police, the BAI (Badminton Association Of India) is considering the prospect of moving the tournaments away to a different city.

The complex in Siri Fort Indoor Stadium houses an underground parking zone of 500 cars. But due to security reasons, the police permits a maximum entry of 50 cars, provided the registration numbers are handed over to them by the organizers.

The spectators who come in have suffered because of this decree as they have to settle for parking spaces in surrounding residential areas.

On Tuesday, a thoroughly disgruntled BAI official said, “We are fed up, holding events at this venue is so frustrating. When we pay (close to Rs. 30 lakh) for the space and services, why do we get harassed by the authorities?” he asked.

“Less than 10 days ago, Delhi Police handed us a letter denying permission to use the premises. This was after we had written to them in February seeking permission. We were assured clearance at meetings with officials at various levels. Disgusted, we even thought of shifting the event to Lucknow.”

“What kept the tournament in the capital was the timely intervention by the DDA Vice-Chairman Balvinder Kumar. We owe him a lot. He saw the importance of the event and helped us.”

“Mr. Kumar has also assured us that the prevailing policies of the DDA (which is also the ‘infrastructure partner’ for the event) would be revised in the interest of the sports federations holding events of such magnitude,” said the BAI office-bearer in a gesture of appreciation towards the Vice-Chairman.

The cash-rich and prestigious India Open, which is currently underway, faced further confusion on Tuesday when people weren’t allowed to carry bags into the stadium because one of the gates didn’t have a scanning machine.

Media, sponsorship and food carrying vehicles had to be pre-cleared with registration numbers. If any vehicle failed to do so, it was not allowed inside the premises thus adding up to the discomfort of the organisers.

The process of shifting Delhi’s IBL matches to Dubai is reportedly ongoing, and based on certain talks another senior BAI official commented, “India Club (in Dubai) is ready to host the matches (of Delhi) but we still have to look at the foreign exchange regulations.”

The Indian Open Super Series event which started off on Monday could be witnessing its last days in Delhi as Chennai and Pune are being thought of as alternative options for the annual event.

“Chennai is another venue with the State Government willing to fund the event. Pune, too, has very good facilities. We have options,” he added.