[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] International sports events have been canceled due to the impact of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Attention is focused on whether this will affect the Beijing Winter Olympics scheduled for next year.
The official website of the 2021 Swiss Winter Universiade is announcing the cancellation of the event.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced on the 29th (local time) that the 2021 Swiss Lucerne Winter Universiade has been canceled.
The 2021 FISU Winter Universiade was scheduled to be held from December 11 to 21, with 1,600 university athletes from 50 countries around the world participating in six central Swiss cantons: Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Uri, and Zug.
FISU explained the reason for the cancellation, stating, "Due to the highly unpredictable progression of the pandemic and travel restrictions, it has become impossible to hold the largest comprehensive sports event for student athletes."
FISU added, "We are saddened and deeply regret that we cannot welcome the athletes from around the world who have been preparing diligently for the competition."
The Associated Press diagnosed that travel restrictions caused by Omicron were the reason for the cancellation of the Winter Universiade.
Switzerland has implemented travel restrictions to prevent the spread of Omicron. Accordingly, teams from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands must quarantine for 10 days upon entering Switzerland. Athletes are not exempt from this measure.
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