The Tokyo Grand Slam is not expected to take place in December ©Getty Images

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has reportedly decided that the Tokyo Grand Slam will not take place in December amid concerns over coronavirus.

According to Kyodo News, the IJF President Marius Vizer held talks with All Japan Judo Federation counterpart Yasuhiro Yamashita regarding the event.

The officials reportedly agreed that should the event lead to coronavirus infections, it could jeopardise the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympics next year.

The competition was scheduled to take place from December 11 to 13.

The IJF had announced the resumption of the World Judo Tour season last month.

The season was set to resume with a Grand Slam event in Hungary’s capital Budapest, prior to competition in Tokyo in December.

The Tokyo Grand Slam was due to feature as part of the Olympic qualification process ©Getty Images
The Tokyo Grand Slam was due to feature as part of the Olympic qualification process ©Getty Images

Both events and next year’s World Judo Masters were due to contribute to the Tokyo 2020 qualification process.

The return of events came after IJF published its protocols for resuming competitions as it bids to combat COVID-19.

The IJF said last month it would "closely monitor the world situation and reserve the right to amend the schedule and qualification status", with the health of athletes considered as the "first priority".

No World Judo Tour events have taken place since the Rabat Grand Prix, due to begin on March 6, was cancelled.

insidethegames has contacted the IJF for confirmation over the status of the Tokyo Grand Slam.