As BWF World Championships kick off in Delhi August 17,organizers are cracking down on wildlife disruptions that plagued a previous badminton event. After India Open in January saw matches halted by pigeon droppings and a monkey sighting,officials aim to keep focus on the game.
Running until August 23 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium,this championship is a top event in badminton. Organizers swapped wooden doors for double-door systems that lock automatically . High-grade nets now block potential entry points to keep birds and monkeys out.
“We also used non-toxic gel where pigeons might land as backup,” said Sanjay Mishra,general secretary of Badminton Association of India. Gaps in roof and vents have been sealed to bolster security against wildlife.
Stadium's seen major renovations ahead of the championships. Built for 1982 Asian Games,it was revamped for 2010 Commonwealth Games. Ambar Pratap Singh,executive director of Sports Authority of India,confirmed structural upgrades to enhance aesthetics and functionality. Lighting issues that hurt visibility during India Open have been fixed,offering better conditions for players.
Most talked-about strategy? Scaring off monkeys . A viral video showed a man mimicking a langur call,used traditionally to deter smaller rhesus macaques. Reports say people skilled in this have been hired to patrol stadium.
Despite buzz,Mishra clarified association didn't specifically hire anyone for this. A person briefly mimicked langur calls in stadium's northern block, but association isn't relying on this solely. Using langurs to control monkeys isn't new in Delhi; similar tactics were used during 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2023 G20 summit,with life-size langur cutouts displayed around city.
Wildlife wasn't only issue at India Open. Players faced severe air pollution,common in northern India during winter. Matches paused when pigeon droppings hit court. Players like Loh Kean Yew from Singapore struggled to breathe in hazardous air. Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt called conditions “unhealthy,” highlighting wildlife and environmental challenges.
These incidents raise concerns for India as it seeks to prove itself as capable host for international sports. It's set to host Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has bid for 2036 Olympics. Upcoming badminton championships are a chance for India to show its organizational prowess.
This year’s tournament features top players, including reigning champions Shi Yuqi of China and Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. PV Sindhu,a two-time Olympic medallist,leads India’s women’s singles charge . With so much at stake,organizers hope focus stays on athletic achievements,not wildlife disruptions.
As world's best badminton players gather in Delhi,all eyes are on court. Organizers want stories from championships to celebrate sport and athletes, steering clear of wildlife challenges that overshadowed past events.
