Ravi Shastri getting the first vaccine of COVID-19 Picture Credit: Twitter
Indian head coach Ravi Shastri received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the final Test commencing on Thursday. Shastri thanked the medical professionals for empowering India against the pandemic. The 58-year-old was left impressed with the way a private hospital in Ahmedabad dealt with the COVID-19 vaccination procedures. Notably, the Indian government started the second phase of vaccination on Monday for senior citizens and people above the age of 45 with comorbidities.
Coronavirus had halted the sporting sphere
Coronavirus outbreak had forced the entire world to come to a halt. Understandably, several high profile sporting events were either called off or had to be pushed back including the Tokyo Olympics 2021. However, gradually humanity came to terms with the virus and several health protocols were announced by government and authorities to bring back like to normalcy. Sports too came back on its feet with most events happening inside the bio-security bubble and without spectators.
Even the ongoing Test series between India and England has seen the return of fans to the stadiums in the country. Meanwhile, the ODI series will yet again be played behind closed doors in Pune, as confirmed by Maharashtra government due to sudden rise in COVID cases.
Vaccination drive in India
However, the big news for the world at large and the sporting arena is that several vaccines have been developed to curb the spread of the virus. India, too, has two vaccines of its own and is in the second phase of its vaccination drive. While the first one was exclusively for the frontline COVID-19 warriors, the second phase caters to senior citizens (60+) and those above the age of 45 with comorbidities - the group most vulnerable to getting infected.
It is expected that athletes and sportspersons travelling across borders for sporting assignments will also have to get themselves vaccinated to reduce the risk of getting infected.