(REUTERS) – The Diamond League introduced a provisional calendar yesterday for the 2022 season which begins in May and ends with the finale in September, with athletes set to compete in China for the primary time because the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The season begins in Doha on May 13 and ends in Zurich on September. 7-8 whereas China hosts conferences in July and August. The two conferences in China this year had been cancelled due to strict journey restrictions amid the pandemic.

“Athletes will compete for points in 13 series meetings from May to September, with the most successful qualifying for the two-day season finale in Zurich and a shot at the prestigious Diamond Trophy,” organisers mentioned in an announcement.

“The calendar remains subject to changes depending on the global health situation in 2022, as organisers continue to prioritise the safety of athletes and fans while delivering high-quality competitions.”

2022 Diamond League calendar:
Doha – May 13
Birmingham/London – May 21
Eugene – May 28
Rabat – June 5
Rome – June 9
Oslo – June 16
Paris – June 18
Stockholm – June 30
Shanghai – July 30
China 2 – August 6
Monaco – August 10
Lausanne – August 26
Brussels – September 2
Zurich – September 7-8