The show must go on for ONE Championship.
In a statement made by ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong Thursday evening, he announced that all of the promotion’s events from now until May 29, 2020 will still proceed behind closed doors.
This includes ONE Infinity Series 1 that takes place on Friday, May 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“My team and I have decided to turn all events for ONE Championship into closed-door, audience-free events effective immediately. Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship,” Sityodtong’s statement read.
“All scheduled ONE events with live audiences will now be suspended until at least May 29, 2020 due to the extraordinary COVID-19 global situation.”
Global broadcast shows behind closed doors will commence in Singapore with an initial schedule of April 17, April 24, May 1, and May 8. Bout cards will be announced shortly, and additional dates will be added in the near future.
In addition to the announced event schedule revisions above, the ONE Esports Dota 2 Jakarta Invitational on April 18-19 will now be moved and combined with the recently announced ONE Esports Dota 2 Indonesia Invitational on November 23-29.
Additionally, the ONE Esports Dota 2 Regional Qualifier in Jakarta on March 14-15 will be moved to a studio-only, streamed event across various platforms.
Sityodtong has guaranteed that the promotion will employ the best measures for its athletes to ensure their safety.
For Sityodtong, this is their way of showing the world that his company is still ready to entertain amid the pandemic.
“We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I remain committed to providing you the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on the global broadcast today. ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories,” he said.
“This virus might be on the attack right now, but I believe in the power of the human spirit.”
