P V Sindhu’s Dubai Ordeal Leads to All England Championships Withdrawal

Indian badminton star P V Sindhu faced a harrowing experience in Dubai that forced her withdrawal from the prestigious All England Championships. The two-time Olympic medalist became stranded due to airspace closures in the Gulf region, a consequence of escalating tensions following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Sindhu, initially set to travel to Birmingham via Dubai, was unable to make her journey amid chaotic flight cancellations.

During a media interaction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sindhu described her ordeal, which lasted three days, as frightening and stressful. “I hope it’s the first and the last experience like this,” she stated, illustrating the emotional toll the situation had taken on her and her team. Despite the anxiety, she emphasized the importance of remaining calm during such turbulent times.

Stranded and Seeking Alternatives

Upon arriving in Dubai on February 28, 2026, Sindhu learned shortly after landing that all flights had been suspended. This news came just hours after her fellow players had successfully departed for Birmingham. “Just a few hours before my landing, my colleagues like the doubles and singles players actually took off from Dubai to Birmingham,” she noted regretfully.

As Sindhu and her coach navigated their way through the turmoil, they explored numerous options to reach the UK. Among these were overland routes to Oman or returning to India for a longer, indirect journey. “I tried every possible way but there were no flights,” she explained. Eventually, she received a call from Emirates indicating that flights to India were available. While she felt disheartened about missing the tournament, her safety remained her top priority.

Sindhu’s experience became even more alarming when she recounted an explosion that occurred approximately 100 meters from her coach at the airport. “There was a big sound. I don’t know if it was an explosion or debris or a drone. There was a lot of smoke and people ran out,” she said, underscoring the gravity of her situation.

BWF Waives Penalty Amid Extraordinary Circumstances

In light of these exceptional circumstances, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has waived a USD 5,000 penalty typically imposed on players for missing major tournaments. “You cannot do anything. You’re stuck in between a war situation,” Sindhu noted, reflecting on the unprecedented nature of her predicament.

Furthermore, Sindhu expressed concerns about the potential impact on her world ranking points. “It’s a very different situation which nobody might have faced until now,” she stated. As a member of the BWF Athletes Commission, she remains engaged in discussions about her ranking and hopes for a fair resolution.

Throughout this ordeal, Sindhu extended her gratitude to those who assisted her, including Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, MoS for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, and the Indian Consul General in Dubai. Their support played a vital role in ensuring her safe return to India.

As Sindhu reflects on this challenging experience, she remains hopeful about returning to the court soon and competing at the highest level once again.