India is taking unusual measures to ensure the BWF World Championships in New Delhi run smoothly, with organisers turning to “monkey whisperers” and pigeon deterrents ahead of the major event.
A small team of workers with the ability to imitate langur monkey calls will be stationed around the venue to keep rhesus monkeys away. The animals have become a recurring nuisance in Delhi, with one even making an appearance inside the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium during this year’s Indian Open.
Zafar, a third-generation monkey mimic, demonstrated his distinctive calls ahead of the championships, explaining that rhesus monkeys are naturally frightened by the sounds of langurs.
The organisers are also dealing with another unexpected problem — an overpopulation of pigeons. During the Indian Open, matches were stopped twice after birds fouled the court, while players also raised concerns about hygiene.
To prevent pigeons from nesting inside the stadium, organisers have applied a non-toxic gel, commonly used on railway wiring, to the roof and air-conditioning ducts.
Badminton Association of India secretary general Sanjay Mishra said the issues identified during the Indian Open have since been addressed, with improvements made to the venue ahead of the World Championships.
The event is seen as an important test for India as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and continues its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
