PV Sindhu Defends Unique Monkey Management Strategy for BWF Championships

As India prepares to host the BWF World Badminton Championships, PV Sindhu defends the controversial decision to hire 'monkey whisperers' to prevent wildlife disruptions. This unconventional approach has sparked debate on social media, with mixed reactions from the public. Sindhu draws parallels to Wimbledon’s bird-scarer hawk, emphasizing that every major tournament faces unique challenges. The Indian badminton team aims to build on its legacy of 15 medals from previous championships, hoping to achieve podium finishes in front of local fans. Discover more about this unique strategy and the reactions it has garnered.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 15:13 IST

PV Sindhu Responds to Criticism Over Monkey Whisperers

Indian badminton sensation and two-time Olympic medalist, PV Sindhu, has addressed the backlash regarding the employment of 'monkey whisperers' in preparation for the upcoming BWF World Badminton Championships, which commence on August 17.

This prestigious tournament marks India's first hosting since 2009, and the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has opted for unconventional methods, hiring individuals who imitate langur calls to deter monkeys from the venue during matches. This decision has generated considerable amusement and discussion online.

The organizers took this step following incidents of monkey intrusions at previous events, including a notable occurrence at the India Open earlier this year, where a macaque unexpectedly entered the venue. To prevent such disruptions, the World Badminton Championships' organizers have engaged specialized personnel trained in primate psychology and vocal mimicry.

Sindhu's Defense of the Initiative

The choice to hire three monkey whisperers has ignited debate on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), with many questioning the effectiveness of this approach and mocking the unusual security measure.

In response, PV Sindhu defended the initiative, drawing a parallel to Wimbledon’s renowned bird-scarer hawk, Rufus. She emphasized that every major international tournament faces unique environmental challenges to ensure smooth operations.

Sindhu stated, "I genuinely don't understand the outrage. We all love Wimbledon, and they've had Rufus the hawk keeping pigeons away for years. Every major sporting event has its own local challenges. This is just one additional measure on top of the countless measures already being taken. Can’t wait for the world to experience Indian hospitality. I’m 100% sure we’re going to deliver a world-class World Championships."

Public Reactions to India's Innovative Approach

Sindhu's defense of the Badminton Association of India's (BAI) decision to hire 'monkey whisperers' has elicited mixed responses on social media, especially on X. Some users supported the organizers' proactive measures to ensure a seamless tournament.

Many users expressed their approval of Sindhu's perspective and commended the organizers for their efforts to prevent disruptions during the prestigious event. While some found the concept of 'monkey whisperers' humorous, others viewed it as a practical solution to a local issue.

Comments on social media included sentiments like, "This is actually a very practical solution, and the visual of trained monkey whisperers in official vests blending into a world championship setup is oddly cinematic."

Others echoed similar thoughts, stating, "That should be the endeavor to give fans the best experience. Why should this even be a cause of outrage?"

India's Legacy in Badminton Championships

At the previous World Badminton Championships, India secured a total of 15 medals, including one gold, four silver, and ten bronze. The current team aims to build on this legacy while competing on home soil.

In contrast, during the 2009 tournament hosted in India, the country did not win any medals despite a strong home contingent, motivating the current generation to rewrite history and achieve podium finishes in front of local fans.