The Japanese Sambo Championships for the Cup of the President of Russia has been postponed due to COVID-19 ©FIAS

The Japanese Sambo Championships for the Cup of the President of Russia has been postponed indefinitely as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country.

Japan recorded more than 104,000 positive coronavirus cases yesterday as infections continue to rise for the third day running.

"The holding of the Championship for the Putin Cup has been postponed," said Nobuyuki Asai, vice-president of the Japan Sambo Federation and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Sambo Federation, as reported by Russian state-run news agency TASS.

"We will inform you when new dates are determined."

Tokyo and 24 other prefectures are currently under increased anti-infection measures, with the capital being placed under a COVID-19 quasi-state of emergency.

COVID-19 cases in Japan have rapidly increased in 2022, causing the postponement of the Japanese Sambo Championships for the Cup of the President of Russia ©Getty Images
COVID-19 cases in Japan have rapidly increased in 2022, causing the postponement of the Japanese Sambo Championships for the Cup of the President of Russia ©Getty Images

The Japanese Government is reportedly considering extending Tokyo's status to reduce strain on health care services and social functions.

The measures include restrictions on business hours of restaurants and bars, and a request to refrain from non-essential travel between prefectures.

Since January 1, positive cases reported in Japan have skyrocketed from 456 to 104,345 yesterday.

Last year's tournament eventually took place after being postponed multiple times.

It was the 47th edition and the ninth where the Cup of the President of Russia was contested.

The number of participants and weight categories was significantly reduced, however, as just four classes were scheduled.