Paris Diamond League in doubt as police seek cancellation due to historic heat wave

A historic heat wave sweeping across France has thrown this weekend's Paris Diamond League meeting into uncertainty after police authorities requested the cancellation of the prestigious track and field event, citing mounting pressure on emergency services and worsening weather conditions.The Paris police prefecture announced on Friday that it had asked organisers to cancel Sunday's Diamond League meet, along with several other major public events including a music festival and the city's annual Pride march. Authorities said the exceptional heat, which has gripped the French capital since June 21, has forced emergency responders to prioritise protecting the most vulnerable residents.The prefecture warned that if organisers do not voluntarily comply, it would enforce the cancellation order.The move places one of the marquee stops on the Diamond League calendar in serious jeopardy, with Olympic champions and global stars including Noah Lyles, Femke Bol and Armand "Mondo" Duplantis expected to compete.Organisers hope to stage adapted event despite extreme conditionsThe French Athletics Federation, which organises the meeting, told The Associated Press it had not yet received the official cancellation order.A day earlier, organisers had insisted the competition would go ahead in a modified format designed to minimise health risks."The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and spectators remains our absolute priority," organisers said. "Only elite athletes will be permitted to compete at the Paris Meeting. This adaptation ensures that the event can proceed while maintaining the highest possible standards of safety."The unprecedented weather has already shattered national records. According to Meteo France, the average temperature recorded across 30 weather stations reached 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) for a second consecutive day on Thursday, matching the hottest nationwide average ever recorded.More than three-quarters of France has now been placed under a red weather alert for the first time in the country's history.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.