PV Sindhu, two-time Olympic medallist and top Indian shuttler, is likely to miss the All England Championships in Birmingham after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Gulf following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The airspace closures have disrupted flights, preventing Sindhu from traveling to the UK for the Super 1000 event, where she was scheduled to face Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the opening round.

Sindhu and her team, including coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, were moved to a secure location after a nearby explosion, highlighting the risks faced by athletes in the region. The BWF is closely monitoring the situation, preparing contingency plans for any delayed arrivals.

Meanwhile, India’s campaign continues with Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty arriving safely. Lakshya faces world No.1 Shi Yu Qi in men’s singles, while Ayush takes on Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. Other Indian shuttlers such as Malvika Bansod, Unnati Hooda, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty, Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand, and mixed doubles pairs Dhruv Kapila & Tanisha Crasto and Rohan Kapoor & Ruthvika Shivani Gadde will lead India’s challenge in their respective categories.