The Japanese Swimming Federation donated 17,000 masks to the Tokyo Metropolitan Management Headquarters ©Getty Images

The Japanese Swimming Federation (JASF) has donated 17,000 masks to the Tokyo Metropolitan Management Headquarters following the postponement of the 2020 Japan Swim.

JASF had acquired 17,000 N95 particulate respirators for the Japan Swim, which was scheduled for April 2. 

The only Olympic qualifying places for Japanese swimmers were set to be available at the competition, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Tokyo 2020 was also rescheduled to between July 23 and August 8, 2021, making the need to hold qualifiers less urgent. 

The Japanese Swimming Federation acquired the masks for the 2020 Japan Swim ©Getty Images
The Japanese Swimming Federation acquired the masks for the 2020 Japan Swim ©Getty Images

JASF subsequently donated their masks to the Tokyo Metropolitan Management Headquarters, who operate eight hospitals in Tokyo, as reported by SwimSwam.

There have been just under 14,000 reported cases of coronavirus in Japan, resulting in more than 420 deaths. 

The country is currently in a nationwide state of emergency, with people encouraged to stay at home and a number of businesses shut.