Khaberni - The escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to the postponement of sporting events in several countries, while other competitions have been affected by widespread travel disruptions, including the cancellation of thousands of flights.
The International Paralympic Committee announced that it is working on solutions after several athletes faced difficulties traveling to the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina due to travel disruptions at various Middle Eastern airports.
The committee stated on Tuesday that "the closure of airspace in the Middle East affects the arrival of some participants... We are working hard with the organizing committee of the Milan Cortina 2026 to find solutions for those affected."
Iran has cancelled all sporting events until further notice, including the Premier Football League.
The Qatar Football Association has announced it is postponing all matches indefinitely, raising doubts about the friendly match between Spain and Argentina scheduled for March 27th in Doha.
In the same context, the Lebanese and Bahraini federations have suspended all sports activities in their countries until further notice.
More postponements of continental club competitions in Asia
The Asian Football Confederation has announced the postponement of more matches in its continental club competitions amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The confederation said in a statement on its website "Following the decision made on March 1st to postpone the first leg of the knockout stages for the Western region, the Asian confederation confirms the postponement of the second leg as well."
The statement added that the matches scheduled between March 9th and 11th include:
- AFC Champions League Elite: Round of 16 second leg matches (Western region).
- AFC Champions League 2 and AFC Challenge Cup: Quarterfinals second leg for Western clubs.
The federation confirmed that matches in the East will proceed as scheduled, and that the safety of players, teams, officials, and fans remains the "utmost priority."
Tennis players Medvedev and Rublev stranded in Dubai
Russian players Daniil Medvedev and Andrei Rublev, who participated in the Dubai Tennis Championships last week, face challenges reaching California to participate in the Indian Wells Open.
The pair are among players experiencing difficulties traveling, with the Professional Tennis Players Association monitoring the situation.
British player Jack Draper told reporters in Indian Wells that he was in Dubai last week where Medvedev clinched the title after Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor withdrew from the final due to injury, and "I managed to leave probably on one of the last flights."
He added: "I just hope the players and all ATP staff can get here, or at least be safe. The situation is very worrying for everyone, and I hope they can catch up with the tournament."
Postponement of Qatar's opening race for the World Endurance Championship
The World Endurance Championship canceled its season-opening race in Qatar following the American and Israeli attacks on Iran and the widespread closure of airports, including Doha Airport.
The Qatar race, scheduled to cover 1812 kilometers, was set to take place from March 26th to 28th at the Lusail Circuit.
The season will officially start with the Six Hours of Imola race in Italy between April 17th and 19th next month.
The championship stated in a release, "Given the importance of safety and security for competitors, staff, and spectators, the event has been postponed."
Formula 1 races in the Middle East at risk
The president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohamed Ben Sulayem, said that the safety of participants will be the "basic criterion" in evaluating the hosting of Formula 1 races next month in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
He said on Monday that "safety and well-being will be the basis that guides our decisions regarding upcoming events including the World Endurance Championship and Formula 1."
Badminton player Sindhu withdraws from the England Open
India's star PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, was stranded for several days at Dubai Airport while traveling to the England Open, before returning to India after officially withdrawing.
She wrote on the X platform "I have returned to Bangalore in good health. The past few days have been filled with stress and anxiety, but I am grateful to be back."
