New Delhi, 03 March (H.S.):

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, returned safely to Bengaluru on Tuesday after being stranded in Dubai since Saturday due to escalating West Asia conflict disrupting air travel.

En route to the All England Championships, she withdrew from the prestigious event—scheduled to face Thailand's Supanida Katethong in the opener—following Gulf airspace closures triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory drone-missile attacks.

Gratitude Amid Tense Ordeal

Sindhu posted on social media: Back home safe in Bengaluru. The last few days have been extremely tense and uncertain, but I'm relieved to be home. Heartfelt thanks to the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration officials, and everyone who cared for us—their sensitivity and professionalism are beyond words.

For now, time to rest, reset, and plan ahead. She was with her team, including Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, and relocated to safety after a Sunday explosion near their stay.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar