Magical Kenya Open postponed due to coronavirus

The 2020 Magical Kenya Open on Friday became the latest sporting event to be affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak as the deadly virus continue to plunge the global sporting calendar into disarray.

The tournament, which was scheduled to be held at the Karen Country Club, from March 12 to 15, has now been rescheduled to a later date, the organisers said in a statement.

According to the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), it received the Government’s decision to postpone all conferences and meetings of an international nature in Kenya for the next 30 days.

KOGL added that they have notified the European Tour about the decision and the latter have assured Kenya their full support.

“The Kenya Open Golf Limited respects the decision of the Government of Kenya and supports all efforts that safeguard our country against the possible entry of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“I have conveyed the Government of Kenya decision to the European Tour and they have assured us of their full support and we will be announcing new dates for the championship in due course,” read part of the statement.

This comes barely a day after the national women’s beach volleyball team failed to travel to Nigeria for the second round of the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers as the Government continue to put travel restrictions.

Last week, the ministry announced strict measures in financing sports federations and sports teams, participating in international championships.

In a statement, the sports organisations and other stakeholders preparing teams travelling out of the country were advised to consult the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Health and host countries regarding health situations prior to making travel arrangements.

The pathogen’s effect has been felt across a range of sports – from athletics, rugby and golf to football, tennis and motorsports and dozens of international sport events have been cancelled or postponed.