Langur mimicry artists employed for badminton Worlds

For the upcoming Badminton World Championships, a unique four-man team of langur mimicry artists will be employed to deter monkeys from entering the IG Indoor Stadium. These trained individuals, passed down through generations in their family, have previously used their skills in Delhi to keep rhesus macaques away, a practice banned under wildlife laws.

One artist, Jabbar, earns approximately Rs 25,000 monthly for his role, which may have become necessary after a monkey was spotted in the stands during the India Open. The stadium, with its three floors and single doors, presents a potential entry point for these unwanted visitors. To address this, automatic double doors have been installed, complementing the work of the mimicry artists.

The lighting in the stadium has also been upgraded to ensure no shadows are cast on the court and that the overhead lights are evenly distributed. In addition, the player entrance fireworks will be used on the final day of the Championships. The roof leakages at the stadium have been repaired, and the lake part of the complex is being beautified.

With these preparations in place, the organizers aim to provide a clean, pollution-free environment for the athletes, ensuring the event is free from any simian interference.