Invictus Games Postponed Over Coronavirus

The upcoming Invictus Games have been postponed because of coronavirus.

Athletes from 20 nations were set to compete in the fifth instalment of the games in The Hague, the Netherlands, between 9 and 16 May.

In a statement, the Invictus Games said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament "can no longer take place as planned".

"We are now investigating all options to reschedule the Invictus Games, subject to the availability of key facilities and resources, to May or June 2021," the statement continued.

The games, founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, sees wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans compete across 10 different sports.

Last month, the Duke met up with Jon Bon Jovi to record a special charity single for the Invictus Games Foundation. 

Watch: Postponing the Invictus Games was a 'difficult decision'.

Speaking in a video posted by the Invictus Games Foundation, the Duke said it was an "incredibly difficult decision" to postpone the event.

"This decision was the safest and most sensible decision for all of you - you, your families and everybody else involved in these games," the Duke of Sussex said. 

He encouraged the athletes to use the delay as a way to "get even fitter" and reach their "absolute top mental and physical fitness".

Major sports events, including Euro 2020, have been cancelled because of the virus outbreak.

A number of British military sports events have also been called off.

Cover image: Team UK play sitting volleyball against Afghanistan (Picture: MOD).