US-Israel war on Iran disrupts global sporting world, from flights to tournaments

What began as escalating military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran has quickly spilled beyond borders and into the world of sport. Airspace closures across the Middle East have disrupted international travel, leaving elite athletes stranded in transit, forcing tournament withdrawals, and throwing global sporting schedules into uncertainty.

From Olympic medallists stuck at airports to cricket and tennis stars scrambling for alternate routes, the crisis is proving that in today’s interconnected world, even sport is not insulated from geopolitical shockwaves.

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Paralympic athletes face arrival hurdles

With just days to go before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, several athletes are struggling to reach Italy due to airspace closures over the Middle East. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and working with the organising committee to find solutions for affected contingents.

“We are in close contact with all delegations competing at the Games as well as other stakeholders. Many of the teams are already in Europe, attending training or holding camps, but the closure of airspace in the Middle East is impacting the arrival of some stakeholders,” the IPC said.

Tennis stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev stranded

Russian players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, who participated in the Dubai Tennis Championships last week, are facing challenges reaching California for the Indian Wells Open. The ATP is closely monitoring the situation and exploring contingency plans to ensure players can travel safely.

India women’s wrestling contingent stuck in Albania

India’s women wrestlers, returning from the Muhamet Malo 2026 tournament in Tirana, were stranded after flights were cancelled due to the crisis. Chief coach Virender Singh assured that the team is safe:

“After our flight was cancelled, we received a call from the Sports Ministry and WFI. We are not facing any kind of problem here. WFI has assured us that we will not face any difficulty until the situation is sorted out.”

Zimbabwe’s cricket teams delayed

Zimbabwe’s senior men’s cricket team, returning from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, faced delays as flights through Dubai were disrupted. Cricket authorities are coordinating with the ICC to arrange alternate travel.

As sporting bodies work around the clock to safeguard athletes and ensure events continue, the crisis underscores how geopolitical tensions can have far-reaching impacts beyond politics, affecting training, competition schedules, and athlete wellbeing worldwide.

PV Sindhu withdraws from All-England Open 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, on her way to the All England Badminton Championships in Birmingham, was stranded for days at Dubai airport due to the closure of airspace triggered by the US-Israel strikes on Iran. She eventually returned safely to India but had to withdraw from the tournament.

“Back home in Bangalore and safe. The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back to my house,” Sindhu wrote on social media. She expressed concern about how the withdrawal may affect her world ranking and is now focused on her next event, the Swiss Open in Basel.

Soccer and F1 events impacted

The Persian Gulf Pro League in Iran has been suspended, and the Qatar Football Association postponed all matches indefinitely. Even Formula 1 officials are closely monitoring upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, though the Australian Grand Prix will proceed as planned.