Source TOI
NEW DELHI — As the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, organisers are taking radical steps to ensure the action on court remains undisturbed. Following the India Open earlier this year—which was plagued by bird droppings on court and a rhesus macaque roaming the stands—the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have rolled out a ₹20 crore overhaul at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The primary goal extends beyond fresh flooring and swanky lighting: keeping uninvited wildlife completely out.
Multi-Layered Security Strategy
Organisers have implemented a blend of modern technology, structural engineering, and traditional expertise to safeguard the premier tournament:
Acoustic Deterrents: Ten US-patented, plug-and-play sound machines have been imported and installed across the stadium. These devices emit high-frequency calls of predatory birds overnight to scare off pigeons and other nesting birds.
Non-Toxic Slippery Gel: Roof ducts, vents, and overhead surfaces have been coated with a castor-oil-based non-toxic gel—a technology borrowed from the Ministry of Railways—preventing birds from perching.
Double-Door Entry Systems: All 16 stadium entrances and training facility access points have been upgraded with automated double-door systems and reinforced glass to prevent stray monkeys from sliding indoors.
Human “Monkey Whisperers”: To tackle macaques on the outer campus, a dedicated four-man team led by local mimics has been deployed. Their job is to replicate the guttural grunts and warning calls of langurs—a natural primate predator—to chase away stray monkeys without harming them.
Positive Reactions Ahead of the Event
The unconventional setup has already earned praise from players. Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu took to social media to applaud the elaborate arrangements, noting, “You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort… Our solutions may be uniquely Indian, but so are our warmth, our spirit and our hospitality”.
With over 400 global shuttlers set to compete from August 17 to 23, host officials are confident that these multi-pronged measures will deliver a world-class, interruption-free championship.
