The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, New Delhi

The 2009 world badminton championships have been shifted from the Indian capital of New Delhi to the southern city of Hyderabad, an official said on Friday.

The change was made due to the delay in renovation work being carried out at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi, which is also the venue for the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

"Hyderabad has excellent badminton facilities and will be a good place to hold the world championships," Indian badminton chief V.K. Verma said.

"The world body approved the change after we told them the New Delhi stadium may not be ready in time."

The world championships are scheduled for August 10-16 next year.