📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Nardisoero
Sports
India Open 2028 Relocated to Guwahati Over Republic Day Security Concerns
✍️ Telangana Today
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 12:03 AM
👁 5
The Badminton World Federation has moved the 2028 India Open from its original venue to Guwahati, citing heightened security measures for Republic Day.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced that the India Open scheduled for 2028 will now be staged in Guwahati, Assam, after security considerations linked to Republic Day prompted a venue change. The tournament, a key stop on the BWF World Tour, was originally slated for a different city, but authorities deemed Guwahati a safer option during the national holiday period.
Republic Day on January 26 brings heightened security alerts across the country, especially in major urban centres. Organisers assessed that the logistical and policing demands of the celebration could strain resources at the initially planned location, potentially affecting the smooth conduct of the international event.
Shifting the tournament to Guwahati is expected to minimise disruptions for players, officials and fans. The city’s existing sports infrastructure, including the Sarusajai Indoor Stadium, meets international standards and can accommodate the event’s requirements while allowing security forces to focus on the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
BWF officials indicated that the decision was taken in close coordination with the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and local authorities to ensure both athlete safety and the integrity of the competition. The new schedule will be communicated to participating nations in the coming weeks.
Republic Day on January 26 brings heightened security alerts across the country, especially in major urban centres. Organisers assessed that the logistical and policing demands of the celebration could strain resources at the initially planned location, potentially affecting the smooth conduct of the international event.
Shifting the tournament to Guwahati is expected to minimise disruptions for players, officials and fans. The city’s existing sports infrastructure, including the Sarusajai Indoor Stadium, meets international standards and can accommodate the event’s requirements while allowing security forces to focus on the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
BWF officials indicated that the decision was taken in close coordination with the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and local authorities to ensure both athlete safety and the integrity of the competition. The new schedule will be communicated to participating nations in the coming weeks.