PV Sindhu Returns Home After Dubai Ordeal, Withdraws From All England Open
Published March 3, 2026
Bengaluru – Two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu has safely returned to Bengaluru, India, after being stranded in Dubai amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The badminton star was forced to withdraw from the prestigious All England Championships due to significant disruptions to air travel caused by the ongoing conflict. The situation unfolded as Sindhu was en route to Birmingham for the tournament.
The ordeal began when flight operations were suspended in the Gulf region following military actions, including strikes attributed to the United States and Israel in Iran. Iran subsequently responded, further complicating air travel in the region. Sindhu and her team, including Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, found themselves caught in the middle of the crisis.
“Back home in Bangalore and safe,” Sindhu posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, and every single person who stepped up and took such solid care of us during a very challenging time. The empathy and professionalism meant more than words can say. For now, it’s time to rest, reset, and figure out the next steps.”
The unexpected travel disruptions meant Sindhu was unable to compete in the opening round of the All England Open, where she was scheduled to face Thailand’s Supanida Katethong. The withdrawal marks a disappointing setback for the Indian ace, who had been preparing for a strong showing at the tournament. The All England Open is a significant event on the badminton calendar, often considered one of the most prestigious tournaments outside of the World Championships and the Olympics.
The situation was particularly tense for Sindhu and her team, as they experienced an explosion near their accommodation, according to reports. While they were subsequently moved to a secure location, the incident understandably added to the stress and uncertainty of the situation. The experience was described as “extremely tense and scary” by those involved.
Former India coach Vimal Kumar shared insights into Sindhu’s state of mind, telling PTI that she was understandably disappointed. “I have spoken to Sindhu this evening and she was really disappointed. She has resigned herself to her fate that she won’t be able to make it,” Kumar said on Monday. He added that he encouraged Sindhu to focus on future opportunities, including the possibility of winning a Super 1000 tournament or securing another medal at the World Championships held in India.
Kumar also revealed that Sindhu had even considered traveling to Oman by road as an alternative route, but ultimately deemed it too risky given the regional instability. This highlights the challenging circumstances and the difficult decisions faced by athletes traveling internationally during periods of geopolitical unrest.
Sindhu’s return to India comes as a relief to her fans and the Indian badminton community. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of international travel and the potential impact of global events on sporting schedules. The situation also raises questions about contingency planning for athletes traveling to regions experiencing political or military instability.
The disruption to Sindhu’s travel plans is just one example of how the broader conflict in the Middle East is impacting various aspects of life, including international sports. The closure of airspace and the resulting travel delays have affected numerous athletes and teams, forcing organizers to adjust schedules and make alternative arrangements.
For now, Sindhu is prioritizing rest and recovery after the stressful ordeal. She is expected to assess her options and plan her next steps in the coming days. The badminton world will be watching closely to see when the Olympic medalist will return to competition and resume her pursuit of further success on the international stage.
The next confirmed event for Sindhu remains to be determined, but she is expected to announce her schedule in due course. Fans can stay updated on her progress and future tournaments through her official social media channels and the Badminton World Federation website.
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