African Olympic gymnastics qualifier postponed

The 15th African Artistic Championships, which was set to take place between 1 and 5 April in Tshwane, has been postponed.

Various African countries and prominent gymnastic judges were to attend the tournament, which is also a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo this July.

"After careful consideration and in line with the disaster management measures announced by the South African government to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa, the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) took the decision to postpone the African Championships," said Donovan Jurgens, Acting President of SAGF.

"Under the measures announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, gatherings of 100 people or more are prohibited, and strict travel restrictions are in place."

"We are committed to hosting the African Championships in artistic gymnastics that meets International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) criteria, as well as Olympic qualifying criteria. We are working with the African Gymnastics Union (UAG) to find an alternative date," concluded Jurgens.

The African Gymnastics Championships is held every two years, under the auspices of the UAG and includes the participation of the various disciplines of gymnastics. The African Gymnastics Championships is an official 2020 Olympic qualifier.