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Sports have been an essential part of human society for thousands of years, providing entertainment, physical activity, and community bonding. In recent Times of Spanish, the sports industry has grown significantly, generating billions of dollars in revenue and employing millions of people worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 has upended the world of sports, causing unprecedented disruptions and challenges. As we approach the halfway point of 2021, let us take stock of what has happened in the world of sports so far.

Football (Soccer) Football is by far the most popular sport in the world, with an estimated four billion fans globally. As such, it has been heavily affected by the pandemic, with many leagues and tournaments being postponed, canceled, or played behind closed doors. The European Championship, or Euro 2020, was meant to take place in 2020 but was pushed back to 2021 due to the pandemic. The tournament is finally underway, featuring 24 national teams playing across 11 host cities.

So far, the matches have been entertaining and well-attended, despite concerns about COVID-19 transmission. However, some teams have had to deal with positive cases among players and staff, leading to quarantines and possible forfeits. The pandemic has also disrupted domestic leagues in various countries, with some having to shorten their seasons or impose restrictions on attendance. Nevertheless, football remains resilient and continues to captivate fans globally.

Basketball Basketball is another hugely popular sport, especially in North America, where the National Basketball Association (NBA) is based. The NBA had to pause its 2019-2020 season for four months due to the pandemic, eventually resuming play in a “bubble” environment in Orlando, Florida. The league completed its season in October 2020, with the Los Angeles Lakers winning the championship. The 2020-2021 season started in December 2020, with some alterations in schedule and protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

However, the NBA has not been immune to pandemic-related disruptions, with several teams having to postpone games due to health and safety protocols. The league is set to complete its regular season in May 2021 and proceed to the playoffs, culminating in the NBA Finals in July 2021. Olympics The Olympic Games are one of the most significant sporting events in the world, bringing together thousands of athletes from different countries to compete in various disciplines.