Sindhu Backs Monkey Whisperer Plan, Draws Parallel With Wimbledon Hawk

The Indian badminton star pointed to Wimbledon’s use of Rufus, a Harris’s hawk that helps keep pigeons away from the All England Club, as an example of major sporting venues adopting solutions to deal with local challenges.

“I genuinely don’t understand the outrage,” Sindhu said, arguing that the monkey-control arrangement is only one part of a much broader effort to prepare the venue for an international tournament.

At the centre of the controversy is Zafar, a professional monkey handler who has been hired as part of a four-member team. He uses langur-like warning calls to discourage monkeys from entering the stadium complex. A video of Zafar demonstrating the technique during a media walkthrough went viral, drawing widespread attention online.

The measures were introduced after concerns emerged during the India Open, when bird droppings twice disrupted matches and players complained about venue conditions.

Since then, organisers have undertaken extensive work at the stadium. Vents have been sealed, wooden doors replaced with a double-door system and non-toxic gel installed around potential entry points. Ten portable devices emitting predatory bird calls have also been deployed as an additional deterrent.

The preparations also include 80 new toilets, glass doors and automated entry systems at 16 entrances, along with upgraded lighting with assistance from specialists from Indonesia.

Sindhu said she expects the combined measures to ensure a high-quality tournament and showcase India’s hospitality.

“Can’t wait for the world to experience Indian hospitality,” she said. “I’m 100 per cent sure we’re going to deliver a world-class World Championships.”

The World Championships will be held at Delhi’s IGI Stadium from August 17 to 23. Sindhu will lead India’s challenge alongside Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, as the prestigious tournament returns to India for the first time since 2009.