International archery suspended until 30 April due to COVID-19 outbreak

World Archery’s executive committee has suspended all international competition and development activities until the end of April due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Many tournaments had already been postponed on the direction of local health authorities. This latest decision affects all world ranking events, including the following:

• Pan American Championships – Monterrey, Mexico – 23-29 March
• USA Para World Ranking Event – Phoenix, USA – 16-19 April
• Oceania Championships – Fiji – 5-9 April
• European Para Championships – Olbia, Italy – 18-26 April
• Veronica’s Cup – Kamnik, Slovenia – 24-26 April
• Hyundai Archery World Cup stage 1 – Guatemala City – 20-26 April

Some competitions will be rescheduled later in the year but new dates will only be announced when the current situation improves.

The Pan American Championships, Oceania Championships and European Para Championships were all quota tournaments for Tokyo 2020.

World Archery is in discussion with the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and national federations about the qualification procedures for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting restrictions on the qualification process will be assessed and changes to the published procedures may be made.

Event organisers of every level are encouraged to follow the advice of local health authorities, suspending or postponing activities where necessary.

The planned second stage of the 2020 Hyundai Archery World Cup and European Championships, both scheduled to be held in Antalya in May, remain on the calendar at this time.

World Archery president Prof Dr Ugur Erdener said: “It is clear that the COVID-19 outbreak is much more serious than first thought and our focus should be on overcoming this worldwide health crisis as quickly and completely as possible.”

“We’re proud of the archery community and how it is responding to this adversity. So please stay safe, look after each other and let’s get back on track as soon as we can.”