Olympic taekwondo qualifiers in Asia and Europe have been postponed indefinitely ©Getty Images

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue has expressed hope that Asian and European athletes will be able to qualify for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before the end of the year.

The Asian and European Olympic taekwondo qualifiers have been postponed indefinitely in response to the coronavirus crisis.

World Taekwondo switched the Asian event from Wuxi in China to Jordan's capital Amman and rescheduled competition for June 5 to 7 before it was suspended.

Taekwondo's European qualification for Tokyo 2020 was postponed for a second time in March after its relocation to Moscow.

Both competitions have not yet been rearranged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Choue said he hoped taekwondo players from the two continents would be able to secure their spot at Tokyo 2020 this year.

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue has written a message to the taekwondo family to celebrate the organisation's 47th anniversary ©World Taekwondo
World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue has written a message to the taekwondo family to celebrate the organisation's 47th anniversary ©World Taekwondo

"To our athletes in Asia and Europe, we hope that you will have your chance to qualify this year," Choue said in a message celebrating the 47th founding anniversary of World Taekwondo.

"We are constantly monitoring the global situation to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being and also to ensure fair play. 

"In the meantime, I wish you the very best for your training in whatever safe form you can manage as directed by your coaches and the best available Government advice."

Choue also called on the taekwondo family to remain united in response to the coronavirus crisis.

"Ultimately, the biggest challenge ahead of us is to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

"This is one challenge where we truly need to be united as one world.

"So I urge you, the global taekwondo family to listen to the health authorities. 

"It is complex and challenging but please stay safe and stay home - and stay positive."