Economy of sport will be affected the most, feels Bindra

The champion athlete in him sees sport playing a “large role” on the other side of the pandemic, healing the wounds of a world ravaged by its seismic effects.

“The economy of sport will be affected the most, with many associations and athletes underfunded due to lack of events over this time,” said Olympic gold medallist Bindra.

“This will be one of the key challenges that will need to be overcome. We have to ensure athletes have the means and support to continue practising.” Sport has, in the past, helped the world in coping with wars and natural disasters. Quite like its role in the aftermath of the second World War, sport can again play a positive role but only after people have attained a semblance of stability, the shooter said.

“Yes. Sport does have the power to transcend borders, and certainly capture the imagination of millions across the world. While I am sure the focus over the next few months will be to bring stability into everyone’s lives, sport will play a large role in lifting the morale and giving people something to look forward to.”

The pandemic has led to cancellation and postponement of all sporting events big and small -- including the Tokyo Olympics. According to Bindra, with a population that has become aware of the world around them, people will take to sport in a bigger way to remain fit once the pandemic subsides.

“As the general populous has become more conscious of their health and physical well-being, avenues to use sport to improve fitness will grow. I hope it will create grounds for a more robust community sport platform, which will improve the development and interest towards sports across the world,” he said.

Bindra had recently said putting a premium on fitness and wellness is the need of the hour. By ushering in a new age sports and medical care hitherto unseen in India, he is also helping improve the lives of people outside the sporting arena.