No venue or dates had been set for the event although it was planned to be held around Christmas.

FIDE said it now hoped to stage the 2020 edition in the spring of next year, which means there could be two World Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2021 if the normal December edition goes ahead as well.

"This event has grown in importance and popularity, turning it into one of our flagship competitions, almost on par with the Olympiad and the World Championship match," a FIDE statement said.

"Unfortunately, under the present circumstances, such an international gathering of people would have not been possible. 

"Holding the World Rapid and Blitz Championship during Christmas, as it was initially planned, is not feasible. 

"The pandemic situation poses health and logistic challenges that can not be easily solved for an event of these characteristics. 

"In view of the situation, FIDE has decided to postpone the 2020 edition of the World Rapid and Blitz Championship. 

"We will do our best to make it happen in spring 2021."

More than 350 players took part in last year's Championship in Russian capital Moscow.

Norway's world chess champion Magnus Carlsen enjoyed a successful event by winning the both the men's rapid and men's blitz titles.

India's Humpy Koneru won the women's rapid crown, and the women's blitz title went to Russia's home player Kateryna Lagno for the second consecutive year. 

Rapid and blitz chess is played using strict time controls which mean players have less time to consider their moves.

FIDE had already postponed its Candidates Tournament – used to decide the challenger to Carlsen's world title – until 2021.