Jordan to host Olympics boxing qualifiers as coronavirus spreads in China

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed Jordan as the new venue for the 2020 Olympics boxing qualifiers for Asia and Oceania after China's Wuhan was cancelled due to fears over coronavirus – a flu that has spread in the country.

The IOC said in a statement that the event would take place

in Amman from March 3 to 11.

"After a careful review of all alternatives, the BTF (Boxing Task Force) approved the proposal of the Jordan Olympic Committee today, in order to confirm the competition dates and location as soon as possible, in the best interest of the athletes preparing for the qualifier," the IOC said.

On Saturday, the death toll from the virus rose to 41, with

more than 1,300 infected globally, but the maximum number of deaths have taken

place in Wuhan.

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause

diseases in mammals and birds mostly. In humans, the virus causes respiratory

infections, which can be lethal.

The international boxing federation was suspended by the IOC

in June due to issues with its finances and governance and now the apex body

itself is taking care of the preparations and proceedings.

The IOC have set up a BTF, led by its member and

International Gymnastics Federation head Morinari Watanabe, to organise the

boxing events.