Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA tribe of langur monkeys perch on the branches of a tree in Pushkar, India (AFP/Getty)Organisers of the 2026 Badminton World Championships in Delhi have hired three men trained to mimic langur calls to scare away monkeys from the venue. The decision follows embarrassing disruptions during the India Open earlier this year, when monkeys and pigeons entered court and practice areas. Using real langurs is prohibited under India's Wildlife Protection Act, making vocal mimicry a legal alternative previously used at the G20 Summit. The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has also undergone major physical upgrades, including bird-repelling sound devices, sealed windows, improved lighting, and double doors. Former world champion PV Sindhu praised the measures, highlighting the dedicated effort to ensure India is ready to host the prestigious tournament. In fullIndia deploys men pretending to be monkeys to protect Badminton World Championships venueMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why men will be mimicking monkeys at this year’s Badminton World Champs
Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA tribe of langur monkeys perch on the branches of a tree in Pushkar, India (AFP/Getty)Organisers of the 2026 Badminton World Championships in Delhi have hired three men trained to mimic langur calls to scare away monkeys from the venue. The decision follows embarrassing disruptions during the India Open earlier this year, when monkeys and pigeons entered court and practice areas. Using real langurs is prohibited under India's Wildlife Protection Act, making vocal mimicry a legal alternative previously used at the G20 Summit. The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has also undergone major physical upgrades, including bird-repelling sound devices, sealed windows, improved lighting, and double doors. Former world champion PV Sindhu praised the measures, highlighting the dedicated effort to ensure India is ready to host the prestigious tournament. In fullIndia deploys men pretending to be monkeys to protect Badminton World Championships venueMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
