World of Sports; this week.

As the COVID - 19 pandemic rages throughout the world, the sport has become a medium to restore normalcy in these uncertain times. With most sports in different nations welcoming fans, there is an exciting buildup to the Tokyo Olympics commencing from 23rd July, and here is a roundup of the major sporting events that occurred this week. UEFA Euro 2020 - Turkey's own goal, Eriksen's health scare, Lukaku's tribute, England's win. As social media obsessed over the mini-car that delivered the match ball for the kickoff in the first match of the European Championships, a historic tournament welcomed back fans for 30 days of enthralling football. The postponed tournament started with its own goal, owing to the unusual nature of these past two years, as the inaugural match in Rome saw Italy triumph over Turkey.

The second matchday saw the football World hold its breath, as Denmark's star striker Christian Eriksen suddenly collapsed on the field in Copenhagen. In a spectacular show of team spirit, the distraught Danish players formed a human wall around the player, as the medical team provided him with immediate CPR that ultimately saved his life. However, the power of humanity overcame rivalry as the Finnish and Danish fans collectively chanted his name in the stadium as he was carried off the ground, cheering after he was declared to be stable in the hospital. Even though Finland won the match, both teams won hearts on the day. In the very next match, Belgium's Romalu Lukaku also dedicated his first goal to his Inter - Milan teammate Eriksen, giving him words of encouragement through the pitchside camera.

The next day was a recap of the 2018 World Cup Semi-final at Wembley Stadium in London, as England exacted revenge and overcame Croatia with a deficit of one goal. However, as England players took the knee before the kick-off, huge sections of fans booed the players, sadly overshadowing the applause for the gesture.

COPA America kicks off as Neymar guides Brazil to 3 - 0 victory over COVID - hit Venezuela - As the oldest running international competition in the world began on June 13th in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, 12 Venezuelans and Three Bolivian players tested positive before the tournament even started. Columbia has become the latest team to report positive cases, as the tournament continues even after Brazil faced flak for hosting it even with the pandemic raging in the country. Despite this, the first two matches saw Brazil overtake Venezuela and Columbia defeat Ecuador. Sunil Chhetri stars as India beat Bangladesh in Joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers after going winless in eleven straight games, India's captain Sunil Chhetri starred in a precious win against neighbours Bangladesh, with two blitzing goals to prevent a goalless draw. Even though India is out of the race to qualify for the World Cup in 2022, an Asian Cup position remains in contention. With this win, not only did India attain three important points, but Sunil Chhetri also surpassed Lionel Messi's tally of international goals, becoming the second-highest active goal scorer with 74 strikes. Novak Djokovic scores a 19th Grand Slam victory in a gruelling 5 setters against Stefanos Tsitsipas

After a thrilling semi-final against Clay Court legend Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic staged what perhaps could be the greatest Grand Slam victory of his illustrious career. After being two sets down against 22-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece, the World No. 1 executed yet another comeback, finally defeating the Greek 6 - 4 in the fifth set. With his second French Open crown, Novak Djokovic now has a whopping 84 career titles in his kitty.

Vinesh Phogat wins her third gold medal of the season at Wrestling Ranking Series in Poland; Ravi Dahiya settles with a silver

At the Wrestling Ranking Series held in Poland this week, India had fielded four wrestlers. However, only two ended up participating as Anshu Malik and Deepak Punia withdrew due to injury and illness.

The remaining participants scored a place on the podium, as Ravi Dahiya clinched silver in the 61 kg category after a close defeat, and Vinesh Phogat continued her good form with a gold medal in the 53 kg category. Other major news and upcoming events - In a new development, the Indian Olympic Association dropped Li Ning, a Chinese Brand as the apparel sponsor for the 2021 Olympics, keeping in view the "public sentiments." Neeraj Chopra, India's top javelin thrower, participated in his first international competition since January 2020 and scored a good medal at Meeting Cidade de Lisboa with a throw of 83. 18 m in his final attempt. Mirabai Chanu qualified as India's lone weightlifter at the Tokyo Olympics, and Aruna Tanwar became India's first taekwondo player to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympics.

Here are the upcoming events in the world of sports -

1. India Women Tour of England 16th June - 15th July

2. World Test Championship Final - India vs New Zealand - 18th June to 22nd June

3. Stage 3 of Archery World Cup 21st June - 27th June

4. ISSF Shooting World Cup - 22nd June - 3rd July

5. Wimbledon - 28th June - 11th July

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