AHEAD JUDGING by the overwhelming response to the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country, the second phase starting March 1 for the next target group is likely to achieve the same success rate. The first phase of the world’s biggest vaccination drive saw over one crore frontline and health workers getting inoculated for the Coronavirus. Over 14 lakh of them also received the second dose as the drive went off without any fault, barring a few technical glitches. However, the second phase is set to test the government and healthcare machinery as the target group includes people above 60 years of age and also those over 45 years with comorbidities. The senior citizens group needs immediate security given the dipping immunity levels. This group consists of over 10 crore people and the challenge begins here. Convincing them to get vaccinated is the primary task for the government as people in this age-group are generally averse to undergo a different medical procedure. Vaccine hesitancy is on the higher side in the group and machinery in all States will have to tread absolutely tenderly while undertaking the immunisation drive. The task ahead is tricky but achievable.

 

ALWAYS ruing the lack of proper infrastructure for sports talent available, India is now witnessing a spurt of world-class stadiums on par with the best in the league. From mini sports complexes to dedicated stadiums for various games, India’s sporting infrastructure has definitely undergone a seachange in the last decade or so. The latest addition to the league is the massive Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad which houses the world’s biggest cricket stadium in the name of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The state-of-the-art stadium can accommodate 1.32 lakh spectators which tells the story of the hugeness of the structure. While India and England are engaged in the inaugural fixture at the venue, the point is not about the cricket stadium only. It is about the overall structure housing international-standard grounds, courts and swimming pool to present a complete sports package. Focusing on the stadium only is not the story but the overall tale is hidden in all the modern facilities under one roof, in an integrated area. This was the general idea of a sporting complex when it started taking roots in India. The Sardar Patel Sports Enclave has set an example for others to follow.