前言

當國際體育遇上都市野生動物，意想不到的挑戰可能會蓋過即將到來的盛事。本文說明為何德里的主辦單位正採取額外預防措施，以防止鴿子和猴子干擾世界羽球錦標賽（BWF World Championships），以及這些措施如何反映在繁忙大都市舉辦大型國際比賽時的更廣泛憂慮。文章概述在印迪拉·甘地室內體育館採取的實際步驟，並將這些行動置於背景之中，考量過去的事件、大眾反應以及確保焦點維持在運動員與比賽的重要性。目標是提供清晰、客觀的準備情況說明及相關利害關係。

重點摘要

重點： 德里已採取實體改善與野生動物驅避措施的組合，以防止鴿子和猴子干擾即將舉行的世界羽球錦標賽。這些措施從改良門窗與設置防護網，到在必要處採取有針對性的嚇阻手段，反映出在該城市先前因野生動物與污染影響比賽後所汲取的教訓。

主體

The BWF World Championships, one of the premier events on the badminton calendar, will be held at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from 17 to 23 August. Organisers have moved to reduce the risk of disruptions after earlier events in the city drew attention for reasons unrelated to sport. At the India Open earlier this year, matches were interrupted by pigeon droppings, a monkey was seen in the stadium, and players complained about poor air quality — incidents that shifted focus away from on-court competition and prompted a series of corrective measures.

To prevent a recurrence, stadium authorities and tournament organisers have made a number of structural and operational changes. Wooden doors across the venue have been replaced with double-door systems featuring automatic locks to limit easy entry points. Openings where birds or animals might enter have been covered with high-grade nets. Other potential access routes, including gaps in the roof and exhaust vents, have been sealed or repaired. These physical upgrades are intended to create a more secure perimeter and reduce opportunities for wildlife to access the interior spaces where matches are played.

In addition to structural improvements, organisers have used non-lethal deterrents in targeted areas. A non-toxic gel has been applied to surfaces and handles where pigeons may perch, serving as a secondary measure to discourage landing without harming the animals. Such deterrents are part of a layered approach that aims to be humane while effective.

One of the more talked-about measures involves efforts to discourage rhesus macaques, a common urban monkey in Delhi. In recent days social media circulated videos of a man imitating the call of a langur — a larger monkey species historically used to frighten away smaller macaques — and outlets reported that such calls are being used as a deterrent within parts of the stadium complex. While some accounts suggested that performers were formally hired for this purpose, officials clarified that any individual imitating langur calls was present only briefly and not as part of a large-scale hire. The practice of using langur calls or representations has precedent in the city: during the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 G20 summit, similar tactics — including life-size langur cutouts — were used to discourage macaques from public venues.

These wildlife-focused preparations are taking place alongside cosmetic and functional upgrades to the stadium itself. Built for the 1982 Asian Games and renovated for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has seen further structural work on its major arenas. Lighting systems have been adjusted and fixed following complaints that shadows affected play during the India Open, and efforts have been made to enhance the overall look and feel of the venue. Together, these improvements aim to provide athletes and spectators with a professional environment befitting a world-class tournament.

Beyond the immediate physical changes, organisers are conscious of the reputational stakes. India is positioning itself as a major host of international sporting events, with ambitions that include the 2030 Commonwealth Games and a bid for the 2036 Olympics. Incidents like bird droppings, visible monkeys in a stadium, and hazardous air conditions risk distracting from athletes’ performances and undermining confidence among international federations and players. Ensuring smooth operations for the badminton world championships is thus both a practical necessity and a demonstration of India’s ability to stage major competitions.

Air quality remains an underlying concern in northern India, where pollution spikes seasonally. During the January India Open, several players reported difficulties caused by poor air, including breathing discomfort and the need to wear masks outside hotel rooms. While the BWF World Championships occur during a different seasonal window, tournament organisers remain attentive to environmental conditions and the health of participants.

On the sporting side, the tournament will feature top-ranked athletes, including reigning world champions in men’s and women’s singles. Local supporters will look to stars such as PV Sindhu to deliver strong results on home soil. For players and fans alike, the objective is simple: let competition and athletic excellence dominate the headlines rather than distractions caused by the venue’s surroundings.

In summary, Delhi’s preparations for the BWF World Championships combine practical infrastructure upgrades, humane wildlife deterrence, and attention to player experience. The measures reflect lessons from earlier events and an awareness of the broader ambitions driving India’s event-hosting strategy. If successful, the steps taken at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium will help ensure that the primary stories emerging from the tournament concern outstanding matches and memorable athletic performances, not wildlife intrusions or environmental problems.

重點見解表