Sports Amid Covid-19

The Covid-19 outbreak has spread to more than 80 countries in the world, including Indonesia, and it has the potential to affect many public events, including sports events.

Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta

Dancers present a choreographic performance at the launch of the Shopee League 1 2020 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, East Java, Saturday (29/2/2020).

The novel coronavirus could spread during tournaments and concerts where thousands and even tens of thousands of people gather. In addition to the athletes, sports events also involve referees, organizing committees and spectators. Unfortunately, as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread around the world, two major events are scheduled for this year: the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the UEFA European Football Championship (UEFA Euro 2020). Other sporting events include Indonesia’s 2020 National Games (PON), not to mention badminton’s Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup.

The UEFA Euro 2020 opening ceremony is scheduled for 12 June at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, which has a seating capacity for 72,698 spectators. This means that at least 80,000 people will gather as organizers, participants or spectators for the opening ceremony at the Olimpico. Unfortunately, Italy has the highest number of deaths from Covid-19, with 80 people succumbing to the disease. Will Rome suspend the UEFA Euro 2020, whereas the ongoing Italian League is being played without spectators?