Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Monkey Spotted at India Open Amid Corruption Allegations
During the India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi, a monkey was seen in the stands where people watch the games.
This happened on January 14, 2026.
The monkey got a lot of attention from fans and on social media, but it didn't cause any problems or stop any matches.
However, a sports policy consultant named Gaurav Gullaiya also made serious allegations about the stadium.
He said that when his team organized an event there, they had to pay extra charges and bribes, and the toilets were very dirty.
He also said that foreign female athletes complained about the conditions.
The organizers are already getting criticized for other issues, so this added to their problems.
The stadium is also set to host a big badminton event later this year, so these issues are a big concern.
A monkey was spotted in the spectator gallery at the India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi on January 14, 2026.
The monkey drew significant attention from fans and on social media, but did not disrupt any matches or training sessions.
Sports policy consultant Gaurav Gullaiya alleged corruption and poor hygiene at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Gullaiya claimed that bribes were demanded for allowing trucks carrying sports equipment to enter and that electricity charges and AC usage were billed separately.
The toilets were in an unacceptable condition, and foreign female athletes formally complained about the conditions.
- Who
- Monkey, spectators, organizers of the India Open badminton tournament, sports policy consultant Gaurav Gullaiya
- What
- A monkey was spotted in the spectator gallery and allegations of corruption and poor hygiene were made
- When
- January 14, 2026, during the ongoing tournament
- Where
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
- Why
- The monkey entered the spectator gallery, and allegations of corruption and poor conditions were made by a sports policy consultant
- Event
- India Open badminton tournament
- Date
- January 14, 2026
- Location
- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
- Incident
- Monkey spotted in spectator gallery and corruption allegations
- Impact
- No disruption to matches or training sessions, but criticism over conditions and corruption
Sources
Monkey spotted in stands on Day 2 of India Open
Daily Briefing: Iran on the brink; BMC polls today
‘Bribes demanded’: Corruption allegations pile on Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium as India Open embarrassment deepens – Firstpost
India Open badminton: Bird droppings falling on court halts match between HS Prannoy and Loh Kean Yew twice
Bird poop stops play at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at India Open 2026 badminton; ‘embarrassment for the whole country’
BAI caught red-faced again as bird poop on court stops match twice at India Open