War in Iran Makes a Number of Badminton Players Absent at All England 2026

Thailand's mixed doubles, Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran, were forced to withdraw from the 2026 All England due to the US-Israel and Iran conflict (doc. BWF).

JAKARTA - Indian women's singles badminton player Pusarla V. Sindhu is confirmed to be absent from the 2026 All England event because she is stuck in Dubai due to airspace closures following the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran last weekend.

The situation made the two-time Olympic medallist fail to leave for England and was forced to withdraw from the Super 1000 level tournament.

The International Badminton Federation (BWF) in their official statement said that Sindhu was absent with the Thai mixed doubles who were the third seeds in the tournament, namely Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran.

"Former world champion Pusarla V. Sindhu also withdrew from the most prestigious tournament in the World Tour due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He is still stuck in Dubai and cannot reach the tournament in time," BWF wrote on their official website.

Travel disruptions since the conflict broke out have disrupted the preparations of a number of players for the prestigious tournament. Sindhu has been stuck in Dubai since the weekend when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

The conflict immediately heated up due to Tehran's retaliatory action. The situation forced various airports in the Gulf region to stop their operations, which had long-term impacts.

Former India coach Vimal Kumar said Sindhu was very upset with the situation that forced her to withdraw when the two spoke over the phone.

"He has accepted the fact that he won't be able to perform. I told him that there are still good things waiting."

"He has to focus on winning this year's Super 1000 tournament or winning a World Championship medal at home," Vimal told the Press Trust of India.

Sindhu and his team, including Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, had a tense moment after an explosion near their accommodation.

They were then moved to a safer location as tensions rose in the Gulf region. Sindhu even considered a land journey to Oman, but the plan was canceled because it was considered too risky.

A number of other Indian players managed to reach Birmingham via a longer and potentially more physically taxing alternative route. India's main men's singles player, Lakshya Sen, arrived unhindered and will face China's top seed Shi Yuqi in the opening round.

His compatriot, Ayush Shetty, has also arrived and is scheduled to fight against Indonesian representative, Alwi Farhan.