Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have spilled into the sporting world, disrupting the travel plans of several athletes, including one of India’s most decorated Olympians, just days before major international competitions.
PV Sindhu, India’s double Olympic medallist, has been stranded in Dubai while en route to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Open, after widespread airspace closures followed military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Flight operations across large parts of the Gulf region were suspended, leaving passengers stuck at airports amid growing uncertainty.
Sindhu took to social media to share visuals from Dubai airport, showing long queues and halted operations, while confirming the indefinite suspension of flights. “All flights suspended until further notice,” she wrote, capturing the tense atmosphere at the terminal. While Sindhu remains grounded, India’s star men’s doubles pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty managed to reach Birmingham before the situation escalated. Shetty confirmed their safe arrival through a social media update, writing, “Safely landed in Birmingham before US struck Iran.”
Sindhu, however, found herself at the centre of a rapidly evolving security situation. Reports later confirmed that she and her support staff were moved out of the airport area after an explosion occurred nearby, intensifying safety concerns.
The uncertainty surrounding her travel continued as authorities assessed the security situation. “The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour,” Sindhu wrote on social media. “A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us,” she said.
Sindhu later reassured fans and well-wishers about her safety after being relocated. “We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe. For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle,” she added.
Sindhu is not the only Indian athlete affected by the unfolding crisis. The Indian men’s basketball team is also stranded in Doha, Qatar, after airspace closures disrupted their onward travel to Lebanon for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. With their scheduled journey cancelled, the team is currently exploring safe options to return to India.
The military escalation has led to widespread disruption in air travel across the Gulf, impacting major airlines including Emirates and Air India. Following the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks towards Israel, as well as strikes aimed at U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
As the situation continues to evolve, Indian sporting authorities and diplomatic missions remain in close coordination to ensure the safety and safe passage of athletes, Indian nationals, caught in the region, while uncertainty looms over their participation in upcoming international events.
