2022 Maseru Youth Games threatened

STAFF REPORTER

MASERU – The Maseru 2022 Youth Games are likely to be postponed to 2023 or 2025 as a result of the negative impact posed by the novel Coronavirus, following a suggestion moved in an Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) recent meeting to discuss preparations and progress of the games. Lesotho was officially confirmed host country for the 2022 African Youth Games in 2018, with the event penciled for the capital city from February 25 to March 6, 2022.

ANOCA’s confirmation followed an Extraordinary General Assembly held prior to the third edition of the African Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria. A statement released by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC), following the ANOCA meeting, says deliberations also covered the state of preparations for the games, infrastructure and funding.

The LNOC, the statement adds, is yet to enter into discussions with government over the mulled postponed for a final decision in a meeting to be held late this month. This is Lesotho’s first ever opportunity to host the games which target the 14 to 18 age groups, aims to contribute to the development of African sport and to the growth of Olympism and Olympic values.