PV Sindhu returns safely to India: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is back home in Bengaluru after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The two-time Olympic medallist shared her relief and gratitude in a post on X today, March 3, offering a glimpse into the anxiety she faced during the past few days.
“Back home in Bangalore and safe. The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back at my house. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, and every single person who stepped up and took such good care of us during a very difficult time. The empathy and professionalism meant more than words can say. For now, it’s time to rest, reset, and figure out the next steps,” Sindhu wrote.
The Indian Embassy in Dubai had been closely monitoring the situation and extended support to the badminton star. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, PV Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, had said, “I spoke with my daughter early this morning around 3 am. She said the Indian Embassy is taking care of her, and they’ve put her up in a hotel.”
Sindhu had earlier expressed her fear and concerns about X, following the Israel-Iran conflict. She recounted hearing interceptions overhead and witnessing alarming visuals in Dubai, describing the situation as frightening.
The tensions in the Gulf escalated after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in Israeli-US strikes on Sunday, prompting Iran to carry out retaliatory strikes in Gulf countries. The unfolding conflict has affected several Indians in the region, including athletes and tourists.
With Sindhu now safely back in India, she plans to take time to rest and plan her next steps amid an intense travel ordeal that tested her patience and resilience.
PV Sindhu’s frightening ordeal in Dubai amid airport shutdown
PV Sindhu reached Dubai Airport, the connecting point between India and Birmingham, for the All England Badminton Championship. However, the increasing tensions in the Gulf region forced one of the world’s busiest airports to come to a standstill, with no clear indication of when normal operations would resume.
Adding to the stress, Sindhu and her team were dangerously close to the conflict zone. On March 1, the badminton star uploaded a video in which she explained the fear she and her team felt in the situation. The team’s coach had to be evacuated because of their proximity to smoke and debris, after which the team was escorted to a safer zone by the Dubai airport authorities. The Indian High Commission also played a crucial role in ensuring their safe return to India.
With inputs from ANI.
