2021 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship was cancelled ©Getty Images

This year's Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship has been cancelled because it could not be played before an International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) deadline.

The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) told insidethegames that the event could not be completed before September 19 as the FIVB calendar required, so was therefore cancelled.

China was initially to host the event, but withdrew as the nation closed its borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines stepped in as the replacement host, but with the tournament not able to be staged before September 19 it has now been scrapped.

Japan are the reigning Asian champions ©Getty Images
Japan are the reigning Asian champions ©Getty Images

The AVC's marquee men's event was completed on September 19, by contrast.

Iran beat Japan, the host nation, in the final to retain the title and win the event for the fourth time in the last six editions.

The Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship was last played in 2019, in South Korea, with Japan emerging victorious.