Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu has been forced to withdraw from the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships after being stranded in Dubai due to travel disruptions triggered by escalating tensions involving Iran. The tournament is being held from March 3–8 in Birmingham.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion, was travelling to Birmingham when several flights were suspended and airspace in the Gulf region was temporarily shut following missile strikes and security concerns linked to the conflict. The sudden closure left many passengers, including athletes, stranded at Dubai International Airport.
The Indian star later confirmed that she had returned safely to Bengaluru after what she described as “intense and uncertain” days during the crisis. “Back home and safe… the last few days have been intense and uncertain,” Sindhu wrote on social media while thanking airport authorities and support staff who helped stranded passengers.
Sindhu had originally been scheduled to face Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the women’s singles opening round. Following her withdrawal, Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Wen-chi replaced her in the draw.
Meanwhile, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, who is listed as the first reserve in the men’s singles draw, could get a chance to enter the main draw if another player fails to arrive in time due to the ongoing travel disruptions.
Sindhu’s absence is a major setback for India at one of badminton’s most historic tournaments, highlighting how geopolitical tensions can unexpectedly impact global sporting events.
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