PETALING JAYA: Former world No. 1 women’s singles shuttler P.V. Sindhu (pic) has backed the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) unusual move to hire “monkey whisperers” to keep wild monkeys away from the venue ahead of the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23.
Several men who can mimic the calls of langur monkeys have been brought in to scare away wild monkeys from the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Monkeys were also spotted at the same venue during the Indian Open in January, with several players raising concerns over the situation.
Sindhu, who will be competing on home soil, welcomed the effort being made to ensure the venue is ready for the world’s best shuttlers.
“You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort. So many people are working behind the scenes to make sure India is ready to welcome the world.
“Our solutions may be uniquely Indian, but so are our warmth, our spirit and our hospitality. Can’t wait for the badminton world to experience it all in Delhi. See you soon!” said Sindhu on social media.
Besides the monkey problem, bird droppings had also been an issue at the same venue during the Indian Open, affecting players during the tournament.
To prevent a repeat, BAI have installed railway-style wiring along the stadium roof and ducts to stop pigeons from roosting.
“We have addressed the issues that we faced during the Indian Open.
“The sports ministry did a lot to improve the facility and the BWF are 100% happy with the arrangements here,” “ said BAI secretary-general Sanjay Mishra.
