Bottled-up passion for sport is back

Months into an ongoing pandemic, sport is starting to make a comeback around the world, though its return has been witnessed in dribs and drabs, with most leagues still suspended.

The lack of competition, however, has done nothing to sway the interest of fans. If anything, the lockdown seems to have reinforced their passion.

Super Rugby recently returned to record crowds, despite being played in a reduced format between only New Zealand teams.

While football fans might not yet be able to watch all their favourite leagues, the campaigns which have already been relaunched in various countries are also attracting unprecedented interest.

And back home, when sport eventually resumes, it is likely to draw as much interest, with the first few codes out the gate expected to attract record viewers as well.

When organisers of the Comrades Marathon announced they would not refund entry fees after cancelling this year’s event, the country’s oldest road race seemed to be in danger of losing faith from loyal supporters.

And while the Comrades Marathon Association did receive widespread criticism, it was made clear last week that the race remains as popular as ever.

Offering distances ranging from 5km to 90km, the virtual contest attracted over 43 000 participants.

Most individuals took part in the 21km event, but more than 1 500 brave souls tackled the longest option, running 90km on their own or in small groups around the globe.

And considering how hard GolfRSA pushed to have clubs reopened, it is obvious that the recreational side of the sport hasn’t lost many players.

Similarly, while they’ve had to find other interests to fill their free time during the shutdown, fans are likely to be equally excited when they get the chance to watch local sport again.

The level of interest will be evident when the 3TCricket match is launched later this month, with three teams competing in a unique limited overs fixture.

Taking the chance to attract new fans with an innovative format, the organisers may well be rewarded for their ingenuity by roping in individuals who might not usually watch cricket.

It’s only one match, and it is being played behind closed doors, so it will only go so far in appeasing the hunger of fans in every code.