Two more Australian athletes have pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in India citing security and health concerns, adding to the growing list of withdrawals from next month's showpiece event.
Cyclist Travis Meyer and table tennis player Stephanie Sang joined compatriot and discus world champion Dani Samuels in giving the event a miss, a team spokesperson said on Sunday.
Several top athletes, including world champion sprinter Usain Bolt, have pulled out, taking away some of the shine from the event held every four years for former British colonies.
"Stephanie had visited India last year and fell ill. She also has some security concerns and is not coming to Delhi," spokesperson Tracy Parish said.
"Travis is a professional rider and has other commitments. He also had health concerns."
The Australian contingent was disappointed but respected the athletes' decision, Parish said.
The Games were supposed to enhance India's image of a rising power, but shoddy construction, filthy accommodation and security fears have underlined governance and accountability issues, hurting the runaway pride of Asia's third largest economy.
