Now Reading: Delhi badminton organisers hire langur mimics to keep monkeys away
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Delhi badminton organisers hire langur mimics to keep monkeys away
The Story in Brief
Ahead of the BWF World Championships starting 17 August at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, organisers have taken unusual steps to prevent wildlife disruptions that marred the India Open in January. During that event, pigeon droppings halted a match and a monkey entered the stadium, drawing unwanted attention. Authorities have installed double-door systems, high-grade nets, and a non-toxic gel to deter birds and animals.
A small group of men who mimic langur monkey calls has been deployed to scare away rhesus macaques. The SCMP reports that one mimic, Zafar, demonstrated his skill during a media tour. However, BBC quotes senior BAI official Sanjay Mishra saying the association did not specifically employ anyone for this role, though a person imitating langur calls was briefly present. The langur method has been used before in Delhi, including during the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 G20 summit.
Air pollution at the January event also drew complaints from players such as Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt. India is bidding to host the 2036 Olympics and will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The world championships are seen as a test of its ability to manage major international events. Reigning champions Shi Yuqi and Akane Yamaguchi will compete, while India's PV Sindhu leads the home challenge.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both outlets agree on the core story but frame it differently. BBC leads with the measures as a response to an embarrassing episode, quoting a senior official who downplays the hiring of langur mimics. SCMP leads with the 'monkey whisperer' angle and explicitly ties the effort to India's Olympic and Commonwealth Games bids, giving it a credibility-stakes framing. BBC includes more context on air pollution complaints, which SCMP omits. Neither outlet is overtly critical of the government. The measured takeaway: the disruptions were real, the solutions are low-tech and well-documented, and the real test is whether the event runs smoothly. Watch for on-court interruptions or player complaints during the tournament week.
Length: 117 words.
Coverage: 2 sources, 1 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Sources (2): bbc.co.uk (neutral report), scmp.com (sensationalist)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
