New Delhi buzzed with relief as badminton star PV Sindhu touched down in Bangalore after a harrowing ordeal in Dubai. The two-time Olympic medalist had been stranded amid escalating tensions from the America-Israel-Iran conflict, forcing her to withdraw from the All England Championships.
Sindhu shared her gratitude on social media platform X, posting, ‘Safely back home in Bangalore. The last few days have been incredibly tough and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back home.’ She extended heartfelt thanks to the ground team, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration officials, and everyone who supported them during the crisis.
The athlete described the empathy and professionalism she witnessed as beyond words. Now, she’s focusing on rest, recovery, and planning her next moves. Sindhu is slated to compete in the Swiss Open next week, signaling her determination to bounce back.
Earlier, Sindhu had painted a vivid picture of the dangers faced. ‘The situation is getting worse by the hour, more scary every moment. Hours ago, an explosion rocked near where we were hiding at the airport. My coach had to flee quickly as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was a tense, terrifying moment for all of us.’
Thanks to relentless efforts by Dubai airport staff, authorities, and the Indian Consulate, they were relocated to safer spots. Sindhu’s resilience shines through her history in the All England event, where she reached the semifinals in 2021 but has yet to claim the title. Last year, her campaign ended in the first round.
This safe return underscores the vital role of international cooperation in protecting athletes during global unrest. Fans worldwide are cheering for Sindhu’s swift recovery and strong comeback.