PV Sindhu, India's two-time Olympic medalist, has safely returned to Bengaluru after a tense and uncertain ordeal in Dubai. Sindhu was stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which led to the closing of airspace in the Gulf region following the US bombing of Iran. Sindhu, who was en route to the All England Championships, had been stuck in Dubai since February 28, 2026.

Upon her return, Sindhu expressed gratitude toward the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, and immigration officers for their efforts in ensuring her safety. Despite her relief, Sindhu confirmed that she would miss the All England Championships, which are set to begin on March 3. She shared that it was a time for her to rest, reset, and plan her next steps.

In the days leading up to her return, Sindhu and her team faced several challenges. While in Dubai, Sindhu's accommodation was near the site of an explosion on March 1. She described the moment as tense and frightening, especially for her coach, who had to quickly move away from the smoke and debris. Thanks to the swift action of Dubai Airport authorities and the Indian High Commission, Sindhu and her team were relocated to a safer place.

Sindhu was scheduled to meet Thailand's Supanida Katethong in the opening round of the prestigious All England Championships. However, with her absence, fellow shuttlers Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty will now lead the Indian contingent in Birmingham, having reached the city via alternate routes. Despite the setbacks, Sindhu’s return marks the end of a harrowing experience, and her focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for future tournaments.