Children in Sri Lanka learning korfball, with potential future stars from the nation being affected by the postponement ©Twitter/@korfball

The International Korfball Federation (IKF) have decided to postpone the Asia Under 19 and Under 16 Championship in Thailand due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. 

Set to be hosted in Udon Thani from March 29 to April 4, the IKF Asia Executive Committee decided to reschedule the competitions.

The virus, which has infected 32 people in Thailand and over 43,000 people globally to date, has led to the postponement of the Championship until further notice. 

In a statement made by the IKF they said, "While Thailand currently still faces a very limited number of identified infection cases, the situation has had a major impact on public life in the host country of the Championship. 

"Moreover, many flights in the region have been cancelled, making travel more difficult.

"We realise many U19/U16 national teams have spent considerable time and effort preparing for the event to be taking place later this month, but at this stage this is the only possible decision to take, in the benefit of the players, both in terms of potential health risks, and in terms of the overall Championship experience."

Further updates about the postponement are due by the end of March.