Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier in London suspended
All remaining events until May, the Americas and World qualifiers, have also been suspended
Boxing
The Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier in London has been suspended by the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF).
Originally scheduled to run until 24 March, the event will be paused on Monday night following the conclusion of the third day of competition, during which 16 boxers in the men's flyweight and men's featherweight divisions secured their Olympic spots.
The World qualifier, scheduled for Paris, also was suspended. The qualifier for the Americas was suspended last week.
The decision was taken "in light of the constantly changing landscape worldwide," the BTF said, "amid increasing global travel restrictions and quarantine measures, in order to allow the participants from over 60 countries to adjust their travel plans and return home."
Situation will be evaluated daily
In a statement, the BTF said:
"Safeguarding the well-being of the athletes, officials and all other participants is a top priority for the BTF. Since the preparation phase of the event, the BTF has been working in close cooperation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and delivery body of the competition, its stakeholders, as well as with its own medical experts and with national health authorities, to set up the necessary precautionary measures."
However, it has now decided to suspend the event "amid increasing global travel restrictions and quarantine measures, in order to allow the participants from over 60 countries to adjust their travel plans and return home."
The BTF added it would "continue to evaluate the situation daily, aiming to complete the distribution of the remaining Tokyo 2020 boxing quota places in May and June.
"The BTF’s priority remains the qualification of athletes on the field of play, and it will inform all stakeholders as soon as more information is available."
IOC remains committed to success of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
The IOC reiterated last week that it is fully committed to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
"We remain absolutely in line with our Japanese hosts in our commitment to delivering a safe Olympic Games in July this year," it said.
"At the same time, the world is facing challenges that are also impacting sport. But with 19 weeks before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the many measures being taken now by authorities all around the world give us confidence and keep us fully committed to delivering Olympic Games that can bring the world together in peace."