India’s Unique Preparations: PV Sindhu applauds monkey whisperers at World Championships

From traditional skills to modern technology, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi indoor stadium undergoes a ₹20 crore transformation to ensure a flawless global badminton event.

As India gears up to host the BWF World Championships, organizers have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the event runs without disruption. Among the most unusual yet effective measures is the inclusion of a professional monkey whisperer, Zafar, whose inherited skill of mimicking langur calls helps keep monkeys at bay. This unconventional solution quickly won the admiration of two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who praised the effort, remarking, “You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort.”

Zafar’s craft is a family tradition passed down through generations, and while he takes pride in his work, he hopes his sonnow in Class IIwill pursue a different path. His presence at the stadium is part of a broader strategy to address the criticism that followed January’s India Open, where matches were interrupted by bird droppings, unhygienic conditions, and even a monkey sighting in the stands. Determined not to repeat those mistakes, organizers have invested heavily in both traditional and modern safeguards.

The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has undergone a massive overhaul. Vents that once allowed pigeons inside have been sealed, and wooden doors replaced with automatic double-entry glass systems. A non-toxic gel, adapted from railway methods, now lines ceilings and vents to deter birds. Additionally, ten US-patented machines capable of emitting predator-bird calls at multiple frequencies have been installed to provide an extra layer of protection.

Beyond wildlife control, hygiene and infrastructure have been upgraded to international standards. Eighty toilets have been replaced, with fifty-seven inside the stadium itself. Lighting experts from Indonesia have fine-tuned the arena’s systems, ensuring optimal visibility for players and spectators. In total, approximately ₹20 crore has been spent on improvements ranging from door hinges to advanced technology.

Sindhu highlighted that while these solutions may be “uniquely Indian,” they reflect the nation’s warmth, spirit, and hospitality. For her, the preparations symbolize India’s readiness to welcome the world with both creativity and care.

With the championships just a week away, the true test lies ahead. From Zafar’s voice to the machines humming overhead, every measure will be put to the test once the stadium fills with fans and the world’s best shuttlers take the court. India’s blend of tradition and innovation is set to showcase not only its sporting passion but also its determination to host a world-class event.