The organisation has reportedly opted for a time trial to ensure its selection event will comply with Government guidelines, which have been put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.

According to the South China Morning Post, participants will be divided into small groups for the event.

Athletes will start at two-minute intervals, with each group then separated by 20 minutes.

A total of 19 athletes are expected to participate.

"We have prepared the event for a long time and some athletes have even returned from overseas to compete in the competition," said Hong Kong Triathlon Association vice-president Wan Shu-wah.

"The pandemic is our primary concern and therefore we won’t hold a race any more.

"But instead we will run a time trial for the athletes to meet the Government’s health requirements and pick the best times for the Beach Games."

The time trial event will be contested over a one-kilometre swim course and 5km run.

Dates for the Asian Beach Games remain uncertain.

The event is currently scheduled to take place from from November 28 until December 6 in Sanya City.

The Asian Beach Games could be rescheduled after the Chinese Government announced earlier this month that it would cancel international events for the rest of 2020.

"The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Chinese Olympic Committee are in discussion to reschedule the dates of the Sanya Asian Beach Games," a statement sent by the OCA to insidethegames said at the time.

"The three parties have been in constant contact all year regarding the Asian Beach Games in Sanya and are closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis and working together closely to adjust the dates, if required.”

A decision is expected to be made later this month.