The novel coronavirus pandemic came out of the blue, literally, catching governments by surprise and landing the global economy in such a mess that pundits opine it would be a while before even thinking of a recovery would make sense.
Commerce has all but come to a standstill with many businesses going bust and others struggling to hold firm, but more tragically leaving behind a mammoth trail of death and sorrow, shattered lives and broken dreams.
Worldwide infections have almost reached the six million mark, while more than three hundred thousand have died, among them the rich and the mighty as well as members of the already hapless underclass that barely managed to make both ends meet. Those in between were also not spared.
But while it’s ultimately all about the economy and human life – pick your order – what is the point of existence if you are unable to play ball?
After the virus infected top NBA and NFL players, not to mention soccer stars across prestigious European leagues such the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga, professional sport had hit the skids. Even other elite sports like tennis, athletics and Formula 1 came to a standstill and this year’s much-awaited Olympics in Tokyo were postponed to 2021.
But as they say the show must go on and Bundesliga, the top German football competition became the first elite European league to bounce back last week, albeit under strict health protocols and without spectators.
It nevertheless brought cheers as people enjoyed top-quality football for the first time in almost three months. With the EPL, La Liga and the Serie A also preparing for a return to action, enthusiasm is high among the fans while other sports too contemplate taking a tentative plunge.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s cricket tour to England later in the summer is also tipped to go ahead, while prospects of the T20 cricket World Cup in Australia too look promising.
In athletics, the IAAF Diamond League has been rescheduled with Doha set to host a leg in October, while organisers of the French and US Open tennis tournaments are also keeping their hopes up.
In Qatar too things are looking good as far as sport is concerned. Several horses belonging to Qatari stables have already won prestigious races in Europe and football authorities have announced that tournaments such as the QNB Stars League and the Amir Cup would resume in two months’ time.
However, there are lessons to be learnt and new habits to be adopted. And besides, there’s always the lingering fear of a second and much deadlier wave of infections.
But although history is replete with examples of plagues and wars bringing misery to the world over centuries, history also bears testimony to the fact that humans have always bounced back and thrived.
This pandemic may have knocked down the world for the moment. But the human race will take much more to be knocked out.
