2021 will hopefully bring new hope to sporting fans after the Covid-19 pandemic left the 2020 sports calendar in absolute disarray. The Tokyo Olympics, which was actually scheduled to get underway in 2020, was among the major tournaments to be postponed to 2021 because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, by the end of 2020, there were a few positive signs as a few sporting events resumed behind closed doors. Athletes and staff found themselves within bio-bubbles. A new norm is expected to be followed in the new year in the wake of the pandemic. It will be an essential year for Indian athletes as they have a lot to prove at the Tokyo Olympics. However, there are other sports events that are taking place, some of which are listed below.
Thailand Open – Badminton
The 2021 badminton calendar will get underway with the Thailand Open. However, it will not be a part of the Olympic qualification, and the tournament will run from the 12th of January to the 17th in the country’s capital Bangkok.
Australian Open – Tennis
Tennis in 2021 will begin once again with one of the grand slams: the well renowned Australian Open. It is the first of the four Grand Slams held traditionally every year. It will be held in Melbourne from the 8th of February to the 21st.
ISSF World Cup 2021 – Shooting
The 2021 ISSF World Cup will be conducted in New Delhi and is an important event for Indian marksmen. It is currently scheduled to be held from March 18th to March 29th. For those who already qualified for the Olympics, the ISSF World Cup will be a golden opportunity to fine-tune their preparations.
World Athletics Indoor Championships
Athletes from all over the world will be looking to prove their talent and boost their morale ahead of the Olympics at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. The event is scheduled to run from the19th of March to the 21st.
India Open Super 500 – Badminton
Held from the11th of May to the 16th, the India Open Super 500 will be an important tournament for premier Indian badminton players because the tournament will be the last chance for them to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
2021 World Snooker Championship
The Crucible Theatre in England is all set to host the 2021 World Snooker Championship from April 17 to the 3rd of May.
French Open
The 2021 French Open will begin at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The first round will be from May 23 with the tournament entering the quarter-finals on June 1 and the final matches being played on June 5 and June 6.
Euro 2020
The Euro 2020, one of the most significant events in football, was also a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic. The competition was postponed from 2020 to 2021 and will now be held from June 11th to July 11th 2021.
