Rwanda gives green light for provisional sports to resume, here’s how the sector plans to bounce back from COVID-19

Rwanda has recently given the green light for certain sporting activities to resume, including cricket, martial arts, badminton, and gymnastics, adding to the list of sports like golf and cycling that have already been approved. As the world anxiously awaits the resumption of major leagues like the NBA, local sports in Rwanda are slowly bouncing back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journalist Ivan R. Mogisha shared insights on the sector's recovery prospects during an interview with CNBC Africa. Mogisha expressed optimism about the gradual return to normalcy in sports despite the ongoing pandemic. While currently focusing on non-contact sports, he highlighted the potential for resuming contact sports like football and basketball in the future with proper infrastructure and safety measures. The resumption of sports activities comes as a positive sign of progress in Rwanda's journey toward recovery amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. Reflecting on the potential hosting of the basketball Africa League playoffs in Kigali, Mogisha emphasized the current challenges related to intercontinental competitions due to travel restrictions and increased risk of virus spread. He suggested starting with local sports tournaments before considering international events to ensure a safe and controlled environment for both athletes and spectators. Cricket, a sport that has seen significant investments in Rwanda, was identified as a promising avenue for testing the waters of reopening sports to the public. Mogisha emphasized the role of cricket in gauging the feasibility of allowing spectators back in stadiums and paving the way for the return of popular contact sports like football and basketball. Addressing concerns about private sector investment in sports, Mogisha challenged the notion of substantial backing from big companies in the past. He cited limited funding and financial challenges faced by sports teams even before the pandemic, expressing skepticism about increased investments post-COVID-19. However, he noted that strategic investments in sports could prove beneficial for companies willing to take the risk and support the growth of the sector. Looking ahead, Mogisha discussed the future of cycling in Rwanda, a sport that has garnered significant success both locally and internationally. With travel restrictions impacting the cycling space, he remained optimistic about the sport's continued popularity in the country. Despite uncertainties surrounding international events, Mogisha believed that cycling would maintain its appeal among Rwandans, with the community's support playing a vital role in sustaining the sport's momentum. As Rwanda's sports sector navigates its way through the challenges posed by the pandemic, stakeholders are working towards a gradual resurgence of athletic activities while prioritizing the health and safety of participants and fans. The cautious approach to reopening sports, coupled with strategic planning and potential investments, aims to revitalize the sector and reignite the passion for sports in the nation.