A new host is being sought for the IBSA Goalball World Championships ©Getty Images

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball World Championships in Hangzhou has been cancelled due to travel restrictions, with the organisation now seeking another host.

The Chinese city was scheduled to host the event in June.

Competition would have taken place in Hangzhou three months prior to the city hosting the Asian Games, which is taking place from September 10 to 25.

The Asian Para Games will follow from October 9 to 15, where goalball is among the sports on the programme.

The IBSA has confirmed that the IBSA Goalball Asia-Pacific Championships in South Korea has also been cancelled.

Asan had been due to host competition from March 21 to 31, having been delayed from original dates in November.

A mandatory seven-day quarantine for all foreign nationals entering the country, regardless of vaccination status, was cited as the reason for the cancellation.

The IBSA said this would have made attending the event difficult for teams, international referees and classifiers.

The Chinese Sports Association for the Disabled said international travel to China remains very difficult with few direct flights operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

IBSA Goalball said it is now looking for another host for the next edition of both Championships.

The Asian Championships in Asan have also been cancelled ©Getty Images
The Asian Championships in Asan have also been cancelled ©Getty Images

"We appreciate the difficulties faced by the Local Organising Committees to host a viable event when strict travel restrictions are in place, as well as the additional burden entry requirements would put on teams and international officials," said Alexey Baryaev, IBSA Goalball sport director.

"Whilst the world is still grappling with the pandemic, we have to be prepared for these situations and be responsive.

"We are now working hard to find alternative hosts so that we can keep the calendar intact for 2022.

"Some countries have already come forward to state their interest and we are working with them.

"Any other host nations who would like to stage either Championships should contact us before the end of March."

The Asia-Pacific Championships are the last of three regional Championships to take place as qualifiers for the 2022 World Championships.

The IBSA say the preferred time for the Asia-Pacific Championships to take place is between June and July.

The World Championships is now expected to take place from October to December 2022.

The European, Americas and African Championships have already been held in Turkey, Brazil and Ghana, respectively.