Now, Scot tennis ace Baltacha pulls out of CWG over health concerns

EDINBURGH - Scotland’s number one tennis player Elena Baltacha has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi because of health concerns.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)