HOTHOUSE FOR BADMINTON

The fabled Atlantic heat has played havoc with Olympic athletes and tourists, but so far most of the complaints have come from outdoor competitions. Now, the badminton tournament that gets under way Wednesday actually will bring the heat indoors.

Because air conditioning can alter the flight of the badminton shuttlecock, the ceiling vents over the three courts at Georgia State University have been shut off. As a result, badminton figures literally to be the hottest sport at these games, especially once 5,000 fans wedge into the tiny arena.

Of course, the great irony is that while badminton will be played in stifling heat indoors, air conditioners were installed at the outdoor equestrian venue in Conyers, Ga., to cool the horses.