PV Sindhu Defends Monkey Whisperers at BWF Worlds, Cites Wimbledon’s Rufus

PV Sindhu has defended the unusual animal-control measures introduced.

At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium ahead of the BWF World Championships, saying the criticism surrounding the use of a “monkey whisperer” is misplaced.

The Indian badminton star compared the arrangement with Wimbledon’s use of Rufus, a Harris’s hawk deployed to keep pigeons away from the All England Club.

“I genuinely don’t understand the outrage,” Sindhu said, arguing that major sporting venues often adopt solutions suited to their local challenges.

Rufus, handled by falconer Wayne Davis, has been part of Wimbledon’s preparations for years. His presence helps discourage pigeons from entering the tournament grounds without the need to hunt them.

Delhi’s approach involves Zafar, a professional monkey handler who learned the trade from his father and grandfather. He is part of a four-member team engaged by the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of India to prevent monkeys from entering the stadium campus by imitating langur warning calls.

A video showing Zafar at work during a media walkthrough quickly went viral, triggering widespread reactions online.

Sindhu said the monkey-control team should be viewed as just one part of a much larger effort to improve conditions at the venue. The preparations intensified after the India Open earlier this year faced disruptions caused by bird droppings, with players also raising concerns about the venue.

Authorities have since sealed stadium vents, replaced wooden doors with a double-door system and installed non-toxic gel around potential entry points. Ten portable machines that emit predatory bird calls have also been deployed overnight.

The wider renovation effort includes replacing 80 toilets, installing glass doors and automatic entry systems at 16 entrances, and upgrading the stadium lighting with the help of specialists from Indonesia.

Sindhu said she is confident that the preparations will help India deliver a successful tournament.

“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.”

Sindhu will spearhead India’s campaign alongside Asian Games gold medallists Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The BWF World Championships will be held at the IGI Stadium in Delhi from August 17 to 23, marking the tournament’s return to India for the first time since 2009.