The International Sambo Federation has postponed all competitions until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic ©FIAS

The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has postponed all competitions until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, FIAS said it had taken the decision after consultations with medical experts.

Among the events affected is the Sambo World Cup in Moscow on March 20 and 21 and the World Beach Sambo Championships in Larnaca in Cyprus on April 28 and 29.

"Due to the actual epidemiological situation in the world, it would be unsafe to expose our athletes and other participants of competitions to the health risks," FIAS President Vasily Shestakov said.

FIAS President Vasily Shestakov said it would be unsafe to expose athletes and other participants at events to health risks ©FIAS
FIAS President Vasily Shestakov said it would be unsafe to expose athletes and other participants at events to health risks ©FIAS

He added: "The International Sambo Federation is closely monitoring the situation and will keep all its members informed on a regular basis on the further developments. 

"We urge you to carefully monitor your health and avoid any risks that may affect it."

Coronavirus infections outside China, where it originated, have now passed 87,000.

Case numbers in China stand at 80,860.