The CPB wrote to clubs and associations to inform them of the decision, which was taken by the CPB technical department and Crisis Committee.

The CPB said the decision was taken due to the increase in coronavirus cases in the country.

Focus will now be exclusively on qualification and preparation of athletes for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

This will include virtual meetings being arranged with managers and coaches to present proposals for classification and preparation for the Games.

"The CPB values, above all, the health and safety of athletes, coaches, collaborators, family members, fans and everyone in love and involved in the Paralympic cause," the CPB wrote to members.

"For this reason, the CPB has taken measures to mitigate the risks of exposure to the new coronavirus since March 2020.

"These measures included the preparation of the protocol for returning to Paralympic sports activities, the cancellation of the 2020 sports calendar, the institution of a Committee of Crisis for decision making on matters related to the pandemic, among others.

"With the increasing numbers in cases of infections worldwide, the second wave of the pandemic and, mainly, considering the numbers in our country, the CPB Crisis Committee decided not to hold sports competitions before the month of June 2021," the CPB added.

"In the imminence of the beginning of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which is certainly the most important moment for the sports community, and based on the decisions of the CPB Crisis Committee, the Technical Directorate, in order to guide our sports community even in this moment of so many uncertainties, resolves the following:

"There will be no regional or national championships in the first half of 2021 in athletics, weightlifting, swimming and shooting sports.

"With the Tokyo Paralympic Games approaching, the first half of 2021 will focus exclusively on the qualification and preparation process for the Games.

"Specific virtual meetings by sports modality will be held with leaders and coaches of athletes who are likely to participate in the Tokyo Paralympic Games to present and discuss a proposal for qualification, classification and preparation for the Games."

The CPB informed members that links will be sent to participants specifically, with dates and times set to be confirmed for each sport.

The CPB last year closed its Paralympic Training Centre in São Paulo during March, as the pandemic worsened.

The centre remains closed to the general public, however a small group of athletes have been permitted to train at the facility since July.

Around 50 athletes from the sports of athletics, swimming and table tennis have been training in the centre.