World Athletics U20 Championships postponed

The World Athletics U20 Championships, that was scheduled to take place in Nairobi on July 7-12, 2020, have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision, announced late in the evening, came only a few hours after International Olympic Committee postponed the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo until next year.

“It is with regret that World Athletics, together with the Government of Kenya and Athletics Kenya, have made the decision to postpone the World Athletics U20 Championships Nairobi 2020, due to the ongoing challenges posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) internationally,” said the statement.

“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 organisers to avoid mass gatherings.

“We had to consider the health and well-being of athletes, officials and spectators in making this call. We recognise the immense preparations that have gone into the event and wanted to give certainty to the athletes as early as possible as we collectively come to terms with the global impact and threats associated with COVID-19.”

A new date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

“We are working together to identify a mutually appropriate alternative date convenient for the Government of Kenya and elite competitors,” added the statement.