PV Sindhu backs plan to monkey-proof Delhi badminton Worlds venue, says ‘you can laugh, but...’

Badminton star PV Sindhu has reacted to the unusual measure being used to keep monkeys away from the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium ahead of the BWF World Championships in Delhi, calling the effort “uniquely Indian” while praising those working behind the scenes to prepare for the tournament.

“You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort,” Sindhu wrote on X. She said several people were working to ensure India was ready to welcome the world and added that the country's warmth, spirit and hospitality would also be part of the experience for the badminton community arriving in Delhi.

Mimics hired to keep monkeys away

Sindhu's comments came after organisers hired three professional mimics to imitate the grunts and snorts of langurs to deter rhesus macaques from entering the tournament venue.

The measure has been introduced ahead of the August 17-23 championships, which will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Rhesus macaques are commonly found in central Delhi, including areas around the stadium, and are believed to be wary of langurs because of their larger size.

The organisers are using trained mimics because the use of actual langurs for such activities has been banned since 2012.

India Open monkey disruption prompted action

The unusual deterrent follows an incident during the India Open in January, when monkeys briefly entered the spectator stands. Images of the disruption attracted international attention and prompted concerns about preparations at the venue.

The Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of India have since combined efforts to give the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium a thorough makeover ahead of the World Championships.

The tournament is returning to India after 17 years, with the organisers working to avoid a repeat of the issues that drew international criticism during the India Open.

Delhi Assembly had also sought monkey mimics

The use of trained mimics is not entirely new in Delhi. Earlier this year, the Delhi Assembly floated a tender to hire mimics to prevent monkeys from entering the area.

Zafar, one of the monkey whisperers hired by the World Championships organisers, said imitating langur sounds can cause monkeys to move away. He explained that the technique is also used to keep monkeys away from roads where vehicles are parked.

According to Zafar, mimicking monkey calls has been a generational profession for his family. He said he has performed the work at several locations, including North Block, South Block, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and Mathura, depending on where his services are required.

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World Championships begin August 17

The BWF World Championships will take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23. The tournament's return to India after 17 years has prompted extensive preparations by the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of India.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and former world championship medallist, ended her message by expressing anticipation for the international badminton community to experience the tournament in Delhi.