After three days of uncertainty, missile sightings, and the deafening sound of explosions, India’s badminton queen P.V. Sindhu is finally home.
What was supposed to be a routine transit through Dubai turned into a harrowing survival story as geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran ground global travel to a halt.
While the “City of Gold” is usually a stop for luxury, for Sindhu and her team, it became a waiting game under fire. Sindhu’s Indonesian coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, reportedly had a “narrow escape” when an explosion rocked the vicinity of the airport.
Team Sindhu was moved to a secure location after initial blasts. And phone alerts from authorities and the sound of multiple explosions kept the camp on high alert.
“He (Irwansyah) is obviously terrified… they ran out. We were receiving alerts on our phones from authorities about what to do,” Sindhu shared during a virtual presser.
Missing a Super 1000 tournament is a cardinal sin in the BWF World Tour, usually resulting in a hefty USD 5,000 fine and a “Zero-Point” penalty. However, given the “Act of God” circumstances, the BWF is softening its stance.
Sindhu confirmed she has been in constant contact with the Badminton World Federation(BWF), explaining that while some Japanese players managed to find alternative routes to Birmingham, she was effectively “trapped” in the Dubai transit zone.
Despite the trauma, the champion’s grind doesn’t stop. Sindhu is already eyeing the Swiss Open (starting March 10), but getting there is its own battle.
“The war is still going on… it is not in my hands,” says Sindhu.
Credit Photo : India Open 2025
