World swimming championships in Japan pushed to 2022

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – The world swimming championships set to be held in Japan next year have been pushed back to 2022 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are pleased to announce that the FINA World Championships in Fukuoka (JPN) will take place from May 13-29, 2022 and the FINA World Masters Championships from May 31-June 9, 2022, across the island of Kyushu (JPN)," FINA, world swimming's governing body, said in a Twitter post on Monday.

FINA said that the new dates were determined in talks with the city of Fukuoka, the Japanese Swimming Federation, organizers, athletes, coaches, technical committees, TV partners, and sponsors.

The FINA World Championships were initially scheduled for 2021.

"At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, FINA hopes the announcement of these dates will allow for some clarity in planning for all concerned," FINA Chairman Julio Maglione said on the body's website.

Japan has decided to extend its national emergency until May 31 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

On April 7, a state of emergency was declared.

Japan has so far confirmed over 15,000 coronavirus cases with about 550 deaths, according to Kyodo News.