The first three boccia events of 2021 have been cancelled ©Getty Images

The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) has announced the cancellation of three sanctioned tournaments in 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to leave its mark.

All three events have been called off following a meeting of the BISFed Board.

France's Nantes Boccia Regional Open will not take place between February 23 and March 2, with the Cuenca Boccia Regional Open in Spain also cancelled between March 21 and 27.

The Zagreb Boccia Regional Open in Croatia's capital will also not take place as planned from March 21 to 28.

BISFed said that planning for all remaining events in 2021 is continuing, including the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

BISFed continues to prepare for the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games next year ©Getty Images
BISFed continues to prepare for the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games next year ©Getty Images

"The BISFed Board has been monitoring the global situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic very carefully since February, and has met in October to review the possibility of organising international boccia competitions during 2021," a statement said.

"In the light of continued uncertainty as to whether the virus can be or is being controlled around the world, and with the safety of boccia athletes as our primary concern, the Board has decided that the first three events scheduled for 2021 will be cancelled."  

In March, BISFed cancelled the majority of its planned events in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.