The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm the Spanish Para Badminton International 2020 to be staged in Cartagena, Murcia starting 10 March has been cancelled.

The Spanish Badminton Federation confirmed the decision Friday on the advice of health authorities regarding continued concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Important meetings with regional and local sport and health authorities took place on Thursday and Friday to discuss if the event could be staged,” its statement read.

“We were informed that for public health reasons linked to COVID-19 that we had to cancel the tournament.

“We tried to ensure the future of the tournament but that proved unsuccessful.”

BWF accepts the decision citing the welfare of players, their entourage, fans and officials at the tournament as the main priority.

The Spanish Para Badminton International 2020 was the final opportunity for athletes to gain ranking points in their bid to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Qualifying ends 2 April.

It follows yesterday’s postponement of the 3rd Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2020.

The BWF understands today’s announcement will have various implications for players and teams related to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games qualification.

However, we are not at this time planning to make any adjustments to the qualification regulations.

In good news, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has reassured athletes and fans that the “Games are going ahead and planning and preparations continue apace”.

Another competition to have fallen victim to the COVID-19 situation is the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games.

Para badminton was to be part of the IWAS World Games programme originally scheduled for 20-28 February and then later to its new postponed date in early April. However, organisers confirmed overnight that the Games had been further postponed to 10-17 December 2020.

The IWAS World Games badminton competition was not a Paralympic Games qualifying event and has no Para badminton world ranking points allocated.

Click below for Frequently Asked Questions related to COVID-19 and the different impacts it has on various groups within the badminton community.

COVID-19: Important Information for the Badminton Community