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Edinburgh, Sept 26 (ANI): Scotland’s
number one tennis player Elena Baltacha has withdrawn from the Commonwealth
Games in Delhi because of health concerns.

According to the Scotsman, just days before the
commencement of the Delhi Games, Baltacha has revealed that she is suffering
from a chronic liver condition which affects her immune system, and added that
she is concerned about the possible effects of poor hygiene and mosquito-borne
diseases such as dengue fever during the games.

“If I didn’t have a liver condition (primary
sclerosing cholangitis), of course I’d go. But the problem is that with my
liver condition I am much more susceptible to picking things up, and that’s why
it’s more of a risk for me,” Baltacha said.

“It was really difficult because I am very
passionate about representing my country, but at the same time, I have got to
consider my health,” she added.

Baltacha, ranked 50th in the women’s professional
game, and seen as a genuine medal contender for Scotland, has called it a
difficult decision because she was excited about the games but had to give up
eventually for health reasons.

The first group of Scotland team, including 280
athletes and staff, left for Delhi yesterday after receiving assurances that
problems were resolved.

A team of 41 athletes and staff delayed their
departure on Tuesday after concerns were raised about the improper facilities
at the venue. (ANI)