Delhi Uses Monkey Chasers, Lighting Fixes for BWF World Championships
What Happened
Delhi’s IG Indoor Stadium is being fitted out for the BWF World Championships with a set of unusually local fixes: anti-bird measures, automatic double doors to keep monkeys out, and four hired langur mimicry artists to scare rhesus macaques away. Officials also say the lighting, roof leakages, practice courts and event presentation have been upgraded ahead of the tournament.
Practical Impact
The preparations reflect lessons from the India Open, where birds, monkeys and lighting all became live problems. BAI and Sports Authority of India officials are trying to reduce the kinds of disruptions that can interrupt play, while also dealing with concerns over rain, pollution and stadium cleanliness.
Key Uncertainty
Officials say the roof leaks have been repaired, but they are still being tested because heavy rain is expected during the championships.
BAI secretary Sanjay Mishra says cleanliness will meet global standards, but that reassurance follows questions from Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt after the India Open.
What to Watch
The last-day fireworks display is scheduled for August 23, and the real test before then is whether the stadium’s new defences keep the arena clear of birds and monkeys through the event.