Thaindian News

Sydney, Sept 26 (IANS) Two more Australian athletes have pulled out from the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games citing security and health concerns.
Cyclist Travis Meyer and table tennis player Stephanie Sang Sunday withdraw from the event, Australian Associated Press reported.

Earlier discus World Champion Dani Samuels’ had withdrawn last week.

Australian Commonwealth Games chief Perry Crosswhite said he was disappointed at the withdrawals just a week out from the start of the event but respected the athletes’ decisions.

“I am disappointed on the basis that these Games will be a good experience particularly for all the athletes who come to it and of course we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think the security was not being organised well and at the level it should be,” Crosswhite said.

Crosswhite said the recently-married Sang pulled out because of security fears, and a replacement for her on the team was being sought.

Meyer, who is in Switzerland with the Australian team, was more concerned about health issues, including dengue fever, and had opted to miss the event and compete with his professional team instead.

Travis’ brother Cameron Meyer will remain on the team in Delhi.

The Games have been marred by doubts over health and safety in recent weeks.

Australia’s athletes will begin arriving in Delhi from Monday morning.