The 2021 edition of the Jeux de la Francophonie have been moved to 2022 to avoid a direct clash with the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The multi-sport event for French-speaking countries was due to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, between July 23 and August 1 next year.

Remaining on the same dates would mean a significant crossover with the 2020 Olympics, which was also pushed back a year due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new dates for the Olympics are July 23 to August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

Come 2022, this will be the first time African countries host two consecutive editions of the quadrennial Jeux de la Francophonie after Côte d'Ivoire organised the 8th edition in 2017.

Rwanda has participated at five – 1989, 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2013 – editions of the multidiscipline competitions, winning a combined total of 13 medals, including two bronze medals at the 2013 games.

Veteran long distance runner, Claudette Mukasakindi, is the last Rwandan to win gold, a feat that was achieved in the women's 10,000m category at the 2009 edition in Lebanon.