On January 30, 2020 (Beijing time), the World Athletics (WA) announced on its official website that World Athletics Indoor Championships NANJING 2020 would be postponed from 13-15 March 2020 to March 2021 with Nanjing remaining as the host city. The decision was made after negotiation with the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) and the World Athletics Indoor Championships NANJING 2020 Organising Committee and close consultation with Council members. This measure was taken to protect the health of athletes and officials amid the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.

In the press release, the WA expressed its appreciation and support for China’s efforts to contain the Coronavirus. Especially, the WA sent a letter to the CAA: “Many thanks for your efforts to prepare for this event. World Athletics stands with you at this challenging time and we look forward to working closely with the Chinese Athletics Association and city of Nanjing as we build towards what we are sure will be a highly successful 2021 championships.”

The CAA and Nanjing organising committee will keep meeting special requirements for epidemic prevention and control, and communicate closely with the WA to continue the preparatory efforts arising from the postponement of the event. We believe that with the joint efforts of all stakeholders, Nanjing is certain to make the World Athletics Indoor Championships a complete success next year.

As the event’s host, Nanjing will continue its best efforts in complying with the requirements set by the WA and CAA. In doing so, Nanjing will contribute its part for the successful staging of the World Athletics Indoor Championships, the first ever to be held in China.

World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 2020 Organizing Committee

January 30, 2020

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