PV Sindhu recounts tense and scary blast scare at Dubai Airport amid Israel-Iran crisis

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Sunday described a "tense and scary" situation after an explosion occurred near where she and her coach were staying at Dubai Airport as tensions escalated in the Middle East.

The Indian badminton star, who has been stranded at the airport since Saturday with her Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, said the atmosphere had been growing increasingly alarming by the hour.

In a post on X, Sindhu wrote, "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," describing the frightening episode as events unfolded around them.


The former world champion, however, reassured fans and well-wishers that she and her support staff are safe after being relocated. "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," she said, also expressing gratitude for diplomatic assistance. "A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe," she added.

Sindhu, who is scheduled to compete at the All England Open Badminton Championships beginning March 3, said she is trying to remain calm despite uncertainty. "For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle," she wrote, without giving further details about the blast or its cause.

One of India’s most decorated shuttlers, Sindhu won Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, along with multiple World Championship medals. Her travel disruption comes after the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday, with former U.S. president Donald Trump calling on Iranians to overthrow the country’s Islamic leadership.

The escalating conflict has forced widespread airspace closures across the Gulf, disrupting commercial aviation. Airlines including Air India and Emirates suspended multiple regional flights, while Dubai Airport halted operations indefinitely as missile strikes and security concerns rattled the region. (With inputs from PTI)