By IANS,
New Delhi : Australian chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said Tuesday the pullout of a few athletes will have little impact on the Commonwealth Games and it will only be their personal loss.
“If the athletes have dropped out it is their personal loss, not a loss for the Games. It will be sad for the athletes. It is not about their personal performance, it is about representing Australia,” he said.
Moneghetti said only four or five Australian athletes have dropped out.
The Aussie absentees include world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels, Cyclist Travis Meyer and table tennis player Stephanie Sang.
“Just four or five athletes have dropped out and that is certainly not a large number if you compare the size of the Australian contingent.”
Australia have selected a 650-strong contingent for the Games.
Moneghetti, who was the mayor of the Village at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, said the much criticised Games Village here is in good shape, with the athletes having nothing to complain.
“We are happy with everything here at the Games Village. We arrived here Sunday morning and the transfer from the airport to the Games Village was smooth and we are absolutely happy with the traffic.
“I have not received any complaint from the athletes about the Games Village. Accommodation is perfect and the dining area is excellent,” he said, adding that the athletes are excited about attending the Oct 3 opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.