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25 March 2020, 14:27

2020 IAAF World U20 Championships postponed over coronavirus

MINSK, 25 March (BelTA) - The World Athletics, together with the Government of Kenya and Athletics Kenya, have made the decision to postpone the World Athletics U20 Championships Nairobi 2020 (7-12 July), due to the ongoing challenges posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 internationally, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Athletics Federation.

“The current global situation would have seriously compromised the event at this time as many countries are restricting international travel, invoking necessary quarantines and advising citizens and event organizers to avoid mass gatherings. We had to consider the health and wellbeing of athletes, officials and spectators in making this call. The World Athletics recognizes the immense preparations that have gone into the event,” the press service said.

The advice from the World Athletics medical team, who are in contact with the World Health Organization, is that the spread of the novel coronavirus is at a concerning level in many countries and all major gatherings should be reviewed without delay.

The World Athletics is working together to identify a mutually appropriate alternative date convenient for the Government of Kenya and elite competitors.

Earlier, the World Athletics, jointly with the Sport and Tourism Ministry and the Belarusian Athletics Federation, had decided to postpone the IAAF World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships which was due in Minsk on 2-3 May. Three Diamond League meetings had also been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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