Dubai: Ace shuttler P V Sindhu, on her way to Birmingham to compete in the All England Open, remains stranded at the Dubai airport with thousands of others.
The Indian badminton player has now been delayed by over eight hours after flight operations were suspended indefinitely in the region due to missile-related disturbance in the Gulf airspace.
With the tournament starting Tuesday, serious concerns have now been raised over whether she will reach England in time.
“The ordeal continues to unfold and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour,” Sindhu posted an update on Sunday morning, going on to describe a particularly alarming moment at the airport.
“A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us,” Sindhu said, as reported by TOI.
She, however, reassured fans about her safety, and added: “We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe.”
“For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle,” she posted.
Sindhu had posted a video from a packed airport on Saturday night, accompanied by the caption: “All flights suspended until further notice.”
Sindhu was safe but unable to leave with her team, she said later, noting how rapidly the tensions had escalated and calling it “terrifying”.
“It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying,” the shuttler posted on X.
“So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply love, a place that has always felt safe and full of life, which makes this moment even harder to comprehend,” she added.
“To everyone who has been messaging and checking in, thank you, it truly means a lot. I am safe right now, stuck here with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve,” Sindhu posted.
She also painted a picture of the tense atmosphere inside the airport.
“Airports are chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon. I’m sure the authorities are doing everything in their power, and like everyone here, we’re holding on to patience and hope,” she wrote.
“Moments like these remind you how fragile normal life really is. Praying for safety and peace for everyone affected,” she summed up.
