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Yokohama has been awarded the 2019 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays, replacing Nassau as hosts.
After The Bahamas' Government confirmed in July that it would no longer be able to offer the financial guarantee that underpinned the event in Nassau, several member federations contacted the IAAF directly to express their interest in hosting and the world governing body’s Council has voted to award it to the Japanese city.
Competition is due to take place at the Yokohama International Stadium on May 11th and 12th.
The first three editions of the IAAF World Relays, in 2014, 2015 and 2017, were held in Nassau.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe thanked The Bahamas for its key role in establishing the World Relays as a successful competition and welcomed Yokohama as only the second city to host the event.
"I am delighted that Yokohama has stepped in to host our youngest World Athletics Series event and I am confident that they will do an outstanding job despite the short preparation period," he said.
"Several of our member federations expressed interest in hosting the popular IAAF World Relays next year and I thank them for their efforts, which confirm the appeal of what is a very entertaining team-based competition with a unique spirit.
"Japanese crowds are renowned for their enthusiastic support and I am sure they will give our athletes a tremendous reception next year.
"This will also be a great opportunity for our athletes to experience the culture and conditions of the host nation little more than a year before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"Yokohama has long been regarded as the gateway to Japan, as the first port opened to foreign trade in 1859, and now it will once again welcome the world."
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