BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese fencers have tested positive for COVID-19, Chinese Fencing Association announced on Friday.

The three fencers tested positive for the coronavirus in the entry medical check back to China on March 16 after taking part in the World Cup tournament on March 6-8 in Hungary.

The 13-member team had been training and competing overseas this season and planned to return to China after the Olympic qualifier scheduled for March 22-24.

After the outbreak of the coronavirus in Europe forced the cancellation of the Olympic qualifier, the fencers decided to go back to China earlier and were found to be positive in entering the country.

All the three infected fencers have been taking treatment in Beijing with slight symptoms.