The event had been scheduled to take place in Catania in Italy from September 25 to October 2, but has been pushed back to a later date following a request from organisers.

Italy has been one of the worst-hit countries by COVID-19 and has recorded the third-highest number of deaths in the world.

"The postponement is made to ensure the safety of the participating athletes and everyone in the event due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," IWUF secretary general Zhang Qiuping said.

In a statement, the IWUF said the exact dates for the fourth edition of the World Taijiquan Championships would be confirmed following discussions with the Federazione Italiana Wushu Kungfu.

The coronavirus crisis has sparked a near-total shutdown of sport across the world, although events are slowly beginning to resume in certain countries.

According to latest figures, more than 4.8 million people have been infected and more than 317,000 have died from COVID-19 worldwide.