Lausanne, Switzerland, January 23, 2020: The first qualifying event for boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be moved from Wuhan, China due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.
The Chinese city was scheduled to host the Asia/Oceania qualifier from February 3-14.
But the Local Organising Committee announced on Wednesday, January 22, that they had called off the competition after 17 people had died from the virus, which is believed to have started in Wuhan - a city of 11 million people.
The IOC Boxing Task Force said the event would be re-scheduled. The Philippines had earlier stated that they were willing to step in and host the tournament.
“The Task Force continues to work closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee and all partners to explore alternatives and will immediately inform National Olympic Committees, National Federations and officials on any developments,” read a statement from the IOC Boxing Task Force.
The decision came after the Asian Football Confederation moved one of its qualifiers for the women’s tournament at Tokyo 2020 from Wuhan to Nanjing amid concerns over the spread of the virus.
Dozens more cases were reported across China and as far afield as the United States sparking fears of a possible pandemic.
On Wednesday, the city of Wuhan said it would “temporarily” close its airport and railway stations for departing passengers. All public transport services will also be suspended, as authorities attempt to contain the virus.
Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang requested visitors avoid the city and residents stay put. Major Chinese New Year events planned for Friday, January 24, have also been scrapped in Wuhan.