Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, February 25, 2020: Kyrgyzstan will host the Asian wrestling qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the capital Bishkek next month, United World Wrestling has confirmed.
The qualifiers were due to be held in Xian, China from March 27-29 but have been moved due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“We are glad that the Kyrgyzstan government and the Kyrgyzstan Wrestling Federation were able to step in as a suitable replacement for this important event,” said Nenad Lalovic, President of the world governing body.
“Moving an event this close to the competition date is not ideal, but we must consider the health of the athletes and ensure that everyone who wants to compete at the qualifiers has an opportunity,” Lalovic added.
The Chinese wrestlers who have qualified for the tournament will be allowed to participate, although they will first have to go through a 14-day quarantine process in Belgrade, Serbia after having already been evaluated in their home nation.
The Chinese will be provided with all the necessary equipment for a training camp in Serbia before being flown to Bishkek.