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China’s Zhu Ting spikes the ball as her side beats Argentina at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2018 in Hong Kong. Photo: Xinhua

Coronavirus: no FIVB Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong stop before Tokyo 2020

  • Hong Kong’s governing body confirms FIVB decision to postpone global showcase until after Tokyo Games
  • June event at Colosseum was set to feature fan favourites China as they prepare for another Olympic gold medal

The FIVB Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2020 scheduled for June 9-11 at Hong Kong Colosseum has been postponed because of the coronavirus, the Hong Kong Volleyball Association confirmed on Tuesday.

“The FIVB had decided to postpone the Volleyball Nations League 2020 until after the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” read a statement, citing the decision made by the sport’s governing body last Friday.

June’s edition of the sell-out annual event was set to feature the women’s teams of fan favourites China, Italy, Netherlands and the Dominican Republic.

The news throws Olympic champions China’s plans into disarray as they miss out on a five-stop Greater China VNL tour ahead of the Tokyo Games, which are set to begin on July 24.

Yuan Xinyue of China (No 1) in action during the 2019 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League against Japan. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

The HKVA also announced that they have not yet confirmed a date to reschedule the event, although there is hope it can be rearranged.

“The FIVB is looking to the future with optimism, and is working closely with the relevant National Federations and event organisers to find an appropriate date to host the VNL,” the statement continued.

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“The Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China will actively liaise closely with FIVB to study the feasibility of resuming the tournament in other dates.”

The decision was taken by key stakeholders, the statement said, including national federations.

Just last week the Macau leg of the VNL, which was set to take place before Hong Kong on June 2-4 as part of those five Greater China stages, was reported to be proceeding as scheduled – although the FIVB reserved the right to change plans.

China’s players huddle around coach Lang Ping at the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Photo: Xinhua

That announcement came a day before the decision from the FIVB to postpone their global showcase until after the Olympics.

The likelihood of the Summer Games going ahead as planned is the subject of much scrutiny, with the volleyball test event at the Ariake Arena being cancelled on Monday.

The Tokyo Challenge Cup was set to take place between April 21-26.

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