The ongoing Badminton World Championships in New Delhi have brought an unusual challenge for players. Apart from their opponents, shuttlers are also having to adjust to changing air drift inside the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
All four courts are experiencing different airflow conditions. The drift changes with air conditioning, temperature, humidity and the number of spectators inside the arena.
Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen experienced the problem in his opening match. He lost the first game to Austria’s Collins Valentine Filimon before adjusting to the conditions and winning the next two games comfortably.
The central courts have relatively steady airflow, but one side plays faster than the other. The side courts face additional side drift because they are closer to the AC vents.
Malaysian player Letshanaa Karupathevan said she initially found the side drift difficult but adapted quickly.
The conditions also affected China’s Shi Yuqi during his match against Ayush Shetty. Several of his smashes went wide as the airflow changed.
Coach Vimal Kumar said drift makes it difficult for players to judge the shuttle’s movement, especially during attacking shots. He believes adapting to the conditions is the biggest challenge for the shuttlers.