Doha (QAT): The 13th FIG Individual Apparatus World Cup will be held behind close doors, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said on Thursday.

“Implementing a comprehensive medical and security protocol providing the safeguards required to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in the competition is one of our prime aims,” said Organising Committee President Mr Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi, who is also the President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation.

The LOC held a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Public Health (MOPH) officials on Tuesday. 

According to the MOPH guidelines, the organisers have decided to host this year’s event without fans. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the host country will provide the required safeguards to protect the health and safety of all involved in the competition, that will be held at the Aspire Dome from March 10-13.

The competition couldn’t be held last year due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Considered as a blue riband event of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, the four-day competition, will feature more than 200 gymnasts from 54 countries.

The qualifications will be held on the first two days while the finals will take place on the weekends.