Back home after Dubai ordeal, Sindhu worried about ranking loss

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu faced an unprecedented ordeal when she was stranded in Dubai en route to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Championships. The disruption was caused by the Middle East crisis following the US-Israel attack on Iran, which led to flight cancellations and airspace closures. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, spent several stressful days in Dubai exploring alternate routes to England, but none were feasible in time for the tournament. Ultimately, prioritizing her safety, she returned to Hyderabad on the first available flight to India.
Sindhu described the experience as the worst ordeal of her career. She recalled landing in Dubai on February 28 only to be informed that flights were suspended. Confusion and anxiety grew as delays turned into complete airspace closure. Her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, experienced a frightening moment when an explosion occurred near the airport, though he was later evacuated safely. Sindhu and her team were advised by UAE authorities to remain indoors, heightening their sense of uncertainty and fear.
The withdrawal from the All England Championships has left Sindhu concerned about its impact on her BWF World Rankings. While the usual USD 5000 penalty for missing a major tournament will be waived due to the extraordinary circumstances, the ranking implications are still under review by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Sindhu, also a member of the Athletes Commission, has shared her views with the governing body and awaits their decision.
Despite disappointment at missing the event she had prepared extensively for, Sindhu expressed gratitude to the Indian government, the Indian Consulate in Dubai, and officials from Telangana for their support during the crisis. She emphasized that safety had to come first, even at the cost of withdrawing from one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. Her immediate focus now is on ensuring participation in the upcoming Swiss Open in Basel from March 10–15.