In pictures: Sport takes baby steps to make a comeback in June-July

Bundesliga: The top tier of Germany's football leagues are set to be the first among top European leagues to resume action from May 9, albeit behind closed doors. Most of the clubs started training from mid-April, in small groups of four to seven, for a continuation of the 2019-2020 season. The German Football League (DFL) is planning to play matches behind closed doors to finish the campaign by the end of June, subject to a final clearance by the local authorities.

Premier League: All eyes of course are trained on when the most widely followed football league in the world, as the coronavirus pandemic is still not under control in the United Kindom. A media report says that the league has submitted a 'Project Restart' report to the stakeholders which looks at a resumption of June 8 with matches behind closed doors. There are 92 matches still to be played and the authorities have drawn up a blueprint which stipulates a total attendance of 400 people - including players, officials and media who have tested negative for the virus, to be allowed entry.

Formula One: The Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi may still be bringing the curtains down on the 2019-20 season, as Formula One announced a roadmap for a truncated season on Monday. The first race at the Red Bull Ring in Austria will be held on the July 3-5 weekend, according to Chase Carey, chairman and CEO of F1 before the juggernaut moves on with races in Asia and the Americas. Bahrain, where the event was postponed in March due to COVID-19, will be included in the capital while the UAE capital will host the season finale.

Golf: Professional women’s golf will resume in South Korea in May itself, while the PGA Tour announced a reworked calendar of four events in June-July. The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas is tentatively scheduled from June 11-14 subject to the necessary clearance from government and health authorities. A successful resumption of the season, which will be initially played without spectators, will brighten up the chances of hosting the three majors scheduled later in the year in US.

Ultimate Fighting Championships: The niche sport will make it’s long-awaited comeback on May 9 with a spectacular 12-fight card headlined by an explosive fight for the interim lightweight belt between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. UFC boss Dana White confirmed that UFC 249, the first since March 15, will take place at the VyStar Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The event will be held behind closed doors and with only ‘essential people’ in the arena with pay-per-view telecast, which brings in astronomical revenue for the sport.

North American Leagues: When do we get to see the NBA stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard back in action again? Or hockey, baseball or Major League Soccer for that matter? US President Donald Trump has suggested a 'Made for TV' plan for the franchise leagues which can see the action begin in summer. Media reports say that NBA has set a deadline of May 8 for teams to get back into practice - and it's quite likely that these leagues may stage a comeback ahead of other mainstream disciplines like cricket or tennis.