Bengaluru: Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu has returned home to Bengaluru after a tense and unsettling experience in Dubai that forced her to pull out of the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships.
Sindhu was travelling to Birmingham for the tournament with her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, when escalating regional tensions in West Asia led to major flight disruptions. What began as a transit delay soon turned into a frightening situation as security concerns intensified in the region.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the two-time Olympic medallist confirmed her safe return. “Back home in Bangalore and safe,” she wrote, thanking the Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration officials and ground teams who assisted her during what she described as a “very difficult time.” She added that she now plans to “rest, reset, and figure out the next steps.”
Safety Scare During Transit
The situation reportedly worsened when an explosion occurred near the area where Sindhu and her coach were staying. According to her account, her coach was closest to the smoke and debris and had to quickly move away from the spot. The incident heightened anxiety and raised serious safety concerns amid the already volatile atmosphere.
With flights suspended and alternate routes deemed unsafe, Sindhu was left stranded and later confined to her hotel as authorities managed the situation. As uncertainty dragged on, the Indian star had little option but to withdraw from the All England Championships — one of the most iconic events on the global badminton calendar.
Her absence is a setback for India’s campaign, though compatriots Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy are set to compete and carry the country’s hopes in Birmingham.
Sindhu’s safe return brings relief to fans and the Indian badminton fraternity. However, the episode underscores how geopolitical instability can unexpectedly impact international sport, disrupting not just schedules but also the safety of athletes on the move. For now, Sindhu’s priority remains recovery before charting her competitive roadmap ahead.
Source: Hindustan Times
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