PV Sindhu Set To Miss All England Badminton Due to US–Israel–Iran War

March 02, 2026: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is set to miss the All England Championships starting on Tuesday after being stranded in Dubai amid US bombing in Iran and the closure of airspace in the Gulf region.

Travel disruptions have affected the build-up to the Super 1000 event, with Sindhu stuck in Dubai since Saturday after flights were suspended following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the retaliation from Tehran.

Sindhu and her team, including Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred near their place of stay. They were later moved to a safe location as tensions increased in the Gulf.

The Indian star was scheduled to face Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the opening round. However, with Dubai airspace and the airport still closed, she may be forced to withdraw from the tournament.

The Badminton World Federation is monitoring the situation closely. It said it is maintaining real-time oversight and is ready to help teams facing travel delays or route changes.

🚨 PV Sindhu's participation at the All England Open in doubt. She's likely to miss the prestigious tournament.

Unnati Hooda adjusts travel plans.

📸- Instagram #badminton #AllEngland2026 pic.twitter.com/QUKr9CVKwR

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 2, 2026

Other Indian Players at the Tournament

Some Indian shuttlers have reached Birmingham through alternative routes via Singapore and Africa. However, the long travel may affect their preparation.

India’s top men’s singles player, Lakshya Sen has reached the venue without travel problems. He will face world No. 1 Shi Yuqi in the opening round.

Young player Ayush Shetty will face Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. In women’s singles, Malvika Bansod will face a tough challenge against Tokyo Olympics champion Chen Yufei.

Unnati Hooda had her flight cancelled on Sunday. She travelled via Africa and will face Thailand’s eighth seed Pornpawee Chochuwong in her opening match.