Throughout the world, all sports academies closed unlikely education institutions. Various employees involved in this industry affected by the closing of sports institutions face a financial crisis. A long list of the impacted people is filled with stakeholders, ministers, and institution authorities, employees working in sports academies, coaches, and players. On the other hand, players, parents, and young beginners are also impacted by it. COVID outbreak stopped the sports world’s lifeline where people energize themselves, and this community bound the whole world. Now the world begins to recover from the pandemic and unlock the areas again from lockdown. But some specific points should be highlighted and handled to secure the safety of day to day sports routine. Some particular issues have to be followed by a sportsperson to maintain the security and well-being of self and others.
The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and well-being
Result of the epidemic COVID-19 stadiums, playgrounds, sports academies, pools, and physiotherapy Centres closed for an unpredictable time. Many sports persons have to stick at home and refrain from being involved in outdoor sports activities.
The annual estimated value of the sports industry is estimated at the US $756 Billion. In the current times during the pandemic, millions of jobs are at risk on a global scale. It is not limited to just sports professionals but also to those in the sporting service industry and retail linked to events and leagues that include tourism, infrastructure, travel, catering, media broadcasting, and transportation. Athletes are under tremendous pressure as they would have to reschedule their training as well as have to remain fit while they are at home while simultaneously being at risk of losing their sponsorship, which may not support them as before.
Apart from negative economic consequences, cancellation of the games also affects numerous social benefits of regional and global sports events, that can contribute to emotional and social excitement of fans, cement social cohesion, identification with their favored athlete that leads to higher physical activities of individuals. For the longest time, sports have been considered a valuable tool for building bridges and fostering communication between generations and communities. Various social groups played a central role in the development and social transformation through sports, especially in societies that are divided. Sports is also utilized as a tool for and often accessing at-risk or marginal populations to gain learning opportunities.
Major sports organizations have shown their support and made efforts to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, such as FIFA has partnered up with WHO (World Health Organization) to launch a campaign called “Pass the message to kick out corona.” It is led by famous football athletes in 13 different languages, reminding people to follow the precautionary five steps to protect themselves and stop the spread of the virus. Measures include:
- Washing hands.
- Not touching one’s face.
- Maintaining physical distance.
- Coughing etiquettes.
- Staying at home if you feel unwell.
Similarly, other peace and international sports organizations have joined hands to support each other during the pandemic, sharing challenges and issues to online communities. The participants in these dialogs try to find innovative solutions and answers to larger problems. Problems include finding ways in which sport organizations can respond to vulnerable individuals who generally participate in sporting events. Especially in communities with low income but now are unable to due to restrictions on movement in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
Alteration in the sports calendar
Preventing measures have been taken to stop the widespread speed of coronavirus pandemic. The first and foremost measure is to cancel or postpone all the sports events throughout the country. As thousands of people gather to watch and enjoy various sorts of sports, the chances of spreading the virus are immense. Several important sports events have been suspended, such as Summer Olympics 2020 in Tokyo, the EURO finals, and the UEFA Champions League, among all. The first time in history since World War 2nd The Wimbledon was canceled, and other leagues were forced to end early. However, a few sporting events like the UEFA Champions League continued indoors only to avoid mammoth mobs. Be it basketball, hockey, rugby, soccer, football, or Formula 1, and every sport is compelled to modify its chart because of the coronavirus.
The surge of online virtual events
The online gaming industry has flourished during covid-19 times. Single reason you can’t go out unnecessarily from your home. Due to regulations on going out and meeting friends every day have not been possible therefore online games came into your rescue for entertainment at home. Games like slot and bingo have glimpsed an immediate surge, and there is no indication of declining. Across the globe, people play several online games and have fun. The lucrative possibility of winning pools steer the paradox to records of fans. Virtual games can engage you in a remarkable sensation and empower you with a substantial chance to take home tremendous wealth—the best part of these games that you can play without constraints on your mobile devices as well.
Dishearten Athletes and Fans
Around the world, several fans and athletes have encountered complications due to pandemic Covid- 19. The postponements and cancellations of significant sporting events were a direct hit to the thousands of athletes, players, and sports-related individuals. For example, athletes and players are not able to play in stadiums and earn, without money, every sportsperson is finding difficulty in running their household. At the same time, fans are deprived of watching their favorite sports and players and getting enthusiastic, fun loaded high.
The Decline in Revenue Generation
Sources of income shrink and many lines are blocked, which generate money and jobs. Sports fundraise through media, advertising, ticket selling, and sports tourism also shrank after an epidemic. Cricket, Football, Lawn tennis, and a few more great sports generate revenue through broadcasting and sponsor of advertisements. Indeed, a set revenue of 50 billion $ is assumed for sports media rights all over the world, and the second part of the income source by sports leagues is about 60% off ten great sports. Besides, this big entertainment company associated with the leagues of great sports, a significant part of the population involved in such events, they take out their time to watch through television. A mass number of people are associated with the league in many ways also affected by the pandemic.
Matches in Empty Stadia
COVID -19 pandemic is a significant cause of empty stadiums of players and viewers. Above all, the straight impact on the matchday income fetches through tickets. No leagues, no matches, empty stadiums, and fewer viewers all conditions are not friendly for generating revenue. We can say the overall impact on the sports of the epidemic is worse. In such situations, any industry can be devastated. So, safety rules, the guideline of emphasis on social distancing, and above all to manage a large number of people is a question for leagues. This worldwide crisis of not allowing to enjoy watching matches in the stadium matches behind the doors and watching through online is the only option left for the lovers of great sports. Above all, conditions generated by a pandemic and falls impact daily vendors positively affected by the financial crisis.
Conclusion
Sports are the great medium through which physical, mental health can be promoted. Physical activities play a significant role in the student and then the player’s life. Sports are just not for entertainment, it provides strength to personalities, improved behaviors, and unites players as a team. Covid -19 has badly hit the sports and players all over the country. However, preventive measures are being taken by the government to tackle the pandemic, and very soon, a new era will begin, safe, secured, happy times and all the sports again will prosper, and stadiums will be full of audiences.