The India Open Super 750 took a surreal turn on Wednesday when a full-grown monkey was spotted roaming the spectator galleries and practice courts. The unexpected visitor appeared amid a mounting crisis for the organizers, who are already facing intense criticism from top-tier athletes regarding hygiene, bird excrement, and extreme pollution in the national capital.
It later migrated to the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, the tournament's designated training venue, where it observed the Korean team's practice session.
The incident quickly went viral after Korean men’s doubles world champion Kang Min-hyuk posted a video of the monkey on Instagram with the caption:
“Are animals (given) free admission?”
Photographer Azlynna Dewi also captured images of the primate sitting near the courts used by some of the world’s top shuttlers. While security officials confirmed the monkey was removed within ten minutes of a complaint, its presence reinforced a narrative of security lapses and sub-par venue maintenance.
The 2026 India Open is serving as a high-stakes test run for the BWF World Championships, scheduled for the same venue this August. However, the feedback from international stars has been overwhelmingly negative:
The Badminton Association of India and the Badminton World Federation have been forced into damage-control mode. BAI Secretary Sanjay Mishra addressed the monkey sighting, suggesting that a door might have been "inadvertently left open" given the substantial greenery surrounding the complex.
“This is the first time such an incident has been observed. It is unfortunate," Mishra said. "We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that all doors remain securely closed and to maintain a safe playing atmosphere.”
The BWF acknowledged the concerns, stating that a "comprehensive review of all tournament facilities and operational processes is currently underway" to ensure the venue is ready for the World Championships in August.
Despite being a World Tour 750 event, large sections of the spectator galleries have remained empty during the first two days. Factors contributing to the low attendance include:
Paid Entry: A shift from free to paid ticketing (starting at ₹400).
Lack of Parking: Operational hurdles at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
Stadium Size: The 8,000-capacity arena makes even modest crowds appear sparse compared to the smaller KD Jadhav hall.
While the monkey did not disrupt any matches, its appearance has become a symbol of the logisticalproblems India must resolve before the global spotlight intensifies this summer.
Day 1: Blichfeldt’s "Bird poop" and hygiene complaint.
Day 2: Antonsen’s "extreme pollution" withdrawal.
Day 3: The "Primate spectator" monkey sighting and BWF review.
