Local Judo Athletes Harriet and Chikondi Kathewera have been affected by Corona-virus as the Judo Open Championship Olympic Games qualifiers in Peru has been postponed.
In an interview , Malawi Olympic Committee Public Relations Officer Kythrina Phiri said International Judo Federation wrote saying the tournament will be held in May and June this year.
“With regards to the current world health situation and in addition to the measures that were announced, please find hereafter new decisions which were taken by IJF; the qualification period be extended until June 30,2020, the continental championship planned in period in April 2020 will be postponed,” read the letter in part.
Phiri said the two athletes were supposed to compete to improve their chances of qualifying for the games.
“Of late, Harriet Bonface and Chikondi Kathewera were supposed to compete in Lima, Peru on March 21 to accumulate additional points for qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games,” She said.
Malawi Judo Federation General Secretary General Osbourne Banda said the changes could work to the Athletes` advantage.
He said: “It means we have enough time to prepare the athletes for the rescheduled competitions, bearing in mind that it has psychologically affected our athletes because they already prepared for the two competitions; African Championship and Open Championship.”
Corona-virus has so far hit 155 countries worldwide,including South America where Peru is located.