Hyderabad, May 2 -- For several decades, summer holidays meant a buzz of activity at the different sports coaching centres in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Playgrounds echoed with the joyful shouts of children practicing sports. Whistles rang out as coaches maintained discipline. From these hundreds of camps emerged talented players who later represented the state and the country in different games.

But now the grounds lie empty and forlorn. Not a soul can be seen anywhere. The deadly and ruthless coronavirus has forced the children to stay indoors. There are many cases where children have lost family members. Some have even lost parents. What a terrible holiday season this is turning out to be. Last year too it was the ...