Olympic medallist PV Sindhu shared a harrowing experience at Dubai International Airport, caught amidst Gulf tensions that disrupted her journey to the All England Open Badminton Championships. An explosion near the airport had Sindhu and her Indonesian coach stranded due to airspace closures caused by escalating geopolitical conflicts in the region. These tensions arose after military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran led to missile strikes, affecting operations across the Gulf, including the UAE.
Sindhu recounted the tense atmosphere, with interceptions in the air and an explosion near their location. Her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, narrowly escaped harm during the incident. Though initially stuck, Sindhu and her team were moved to a secure location, for which she praised the Dubai authorities and the Indian High Commission for their prompt assistance.
Flight cancellations have left many athletes in limbo. Air India halted services, and Dubai International Airport suspended operations, complicating travel plans for players attending the Championships. While most Indian shuttlers have reached Birmingham, some, like Sindhu and Unnati Hooda, faced delays. The Badminton World Federation is working on contingencies to accommodate late arrivals, prioritizing athlete safety and wellbeing.