How the world of sports been changed by COVID-19?

 

Corona Virus | Image by- cdc

Will the fans really crowd to watch the game in the stadium like before? Will players who have been training abroad or playing freely from one country to another be able to return to normalcy in the near future? In short, will the game be able to return to its former state?

Empty Stadium | Image by- Saurav Rastogi

In fact, it is so difficult to predict the sports because every aspect of this question shifts almost daily and in seismic manner. Most of the games in the world are organized with great enthusiasm and for the enjoyment of the common people. The main reason for their presence is that everyone goes to support his country, club or his favorite player. If we talk about big sports events like the Olympics, World Cups or the Commonwealth, not only the players from different countries of the world gathered there, but also many common people comes to that country. But for new restrictions due to coronavirus, it is feared that players and people less travel to another country and this situation will be continued for upcoming years. Because, social distancing is the easiest way to resist coronavirus.  Nowadays, players have to stay in quarantine when they go from one place to another. According to different rules of different countries, they have to stay in hotels for a few days and then they are allowed to practice after doing their COVID test several times. They are always being kept in a bio-bubble and are being monitored at every moment. They are not allowed to associate with anyone outside. As a result, not only their physical preparation is disrupted but also their mental disruption is happening. One of the living example is happening with India’s fastest swimmer Virdhawal Khade who is contemplating retirement despite having already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. On the other hand, the England and Wales Cricket Board had warned and imposed an "undisclosed amount" of fine to pace bowler Jofra Archer for violating bio-security protocol before the second Test against the West Indies. Because he broke protocol and went to his home in Brighton. But the hope is that all the players are learning to adapt to this situation by thinking about the game and themselves and they are becoming quite aware of this.

Now in this new normal situation high-fives and hugging with teammates can be avoided. In sports like cricket ICC (International Cricket Council) already banned to spitting the ball which they use to maintain the brightness of the ball. But, how will bowler like Mohammad Shami reverse the ball without applying saliva in the fourth innings? How will Rodger Federer focus on his ace while having to manage his sweat dripping towel in Australian Open? Similarly it’s impossible to avoid body contact in the sports like hockey, boxing or wrestling in any way.

The Economic Impact in Sports Due to Covid:

Image By- Gerd Altmann

For Covid, the economic situation of almost all the countries of the world has already deteriorated which is also affecting sports. The small clubs who are already in debt are struggling to make their team. Many players are left with money in arrears. As a result of the sports being closed for so many days, the infrastructure of many clubs has also collapsed. Also every team or club has support staff or stadium maintenance staff but in this situation their condition is deplorable. Because that's the only way for them to earn a living. There are so many food stalls on the grounds of a stadium and they only earn money when players or people come to play or watch the game but now their income is totally off. Same crisis happen to many coaches all over the world. Barring those under contracts, the coaching staff associated with local teams or clubs have been running out of savings with resumption of sporting activities out of sight. Now the international and national level sports have started in most of the countries but the local championship or leagues are still closed in most of the countries. The main reason behind this is lack of money and sponsorship. Big companies are afraid to invest in small teams, lest they lose money. But future emerging players come up from these small local level sports. And that's not going to change much in the near future. So sports administrations in different countries need to pay more attention to this. So that the local level games are not stopped in any way.

Future of Sports:

Drive In Football | Image by- Manchester Evening News

On the other hand, now the spectators are not allowed to go to the stadium and the new system of watching their game is virtually. In Danish Super League where ‘drive-in-football’ has been arranged by  FC Midtjylland where they installed giant screens in the parking lot of their MCH Arena to allow fans to watch matches from the their cars from the more than 2,000 available spaces which is a very good initiative But the stadium may not be closed for long. However, some rules will be enforced to enter the stadium. Every visitor will undergo a thermal test when they will come to stadium. Masks and sanitizers will be mandatory. There must be a certain distance between each visitor. So far fewer spectators will be entered than the capacity of the stadiums. Increasing use of technology on the sports field will start getting complemented with usage off it. The global chess body (FIDE) successfully conducting the first major online event in the form of the Online Nations Cup from May 5-10 will definitely be the pioneer for many such events in the future. The same should be followed in different shooting, weight lifting, running events. For all these games, the competitors have to be provide the equipment so that they can increase their fitness and skills while staying at home. Sports such as cricket, tennis, rugby or volleyball also need to make more use of artificial intelligence. Sports analysts, fitness trainers and dieticians who can work from home, much be taken more important role. And they can be in constant touch with their players having conducted several online sessions during this time. It is also right that due to COVID, the players will be more aware to increase their fitness.

We are all hoping and praying desperately for things to go back to normal but can they ever? Of course not. This virus is an enemy that no one even understands completely. Sports will change. Everyone will be able to cope with this situation. And the spectators will be able to enjoy all the games as well as before. It may be seen that this new change, this new thinking and the advent of mentality will reach the sports world to a new height.