It was confirmed on Tuesday (March 24) that this year's Olympics in the Japanese capital have been delayed until no later than the summer of 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This has resulted in a huge logistical headache for sport as the calendar for 2021 is already packed with major events.

Chengdu 2021 is currently scheduled for between August 16 and 27 next year, and organisers will be keen to ensure that the best athletes are available to compete in the Chinese city.

Some, however, will also be eligible to represent their countries at the re-arranged Tokyo 2020.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has hinted that the Olympics could take place in the Japanese spring but John Coates, the chairman of the Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission, said a window between July and August was being looked at.

World Athletics and the International Swimming Federation have already revealed that they are open to rescheduling their respective World Championships in 2021, to avoid a calendar clash.

The 2021 World Games in American city Birmingham is another multi-sport event which could be affected.

Organisers of the 2021 Winter World University Games in Lucerne in Switzerland are also currently keeping a close eye on coronavirus, with test events in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, freestyle and ice hockey already cancelled.

The event is scheduled for between January 21 and 31.

"The full effect and duration of the pandemic can't yet be gauged," a Lucerne 2021 statement said.

"According to current estimates, the Winter Universiade 2021 will be able to take place on 21 to 31 January 2021 as planned. 

"The Management Board and the Board of Directors, chaired by Lucerne health and social affairs director Guido Graf, have set up a project group led by the director of Government relations and risk management Beat Hensler to plan various scenarios in case the current assessment changes."

Graf, who is also the Organising Committee President, added: "The health of everyone involved is paramount. 

"The development of the pandemic is being monitored in close cooperation with the authorities and the national and International University Sports Federation. 

"The effects on the implementation of the Winter Universiade will also be jointly assessed."