Zika: OCM won't stop Rio Olympics squad from withdrawing

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will not stop athletes in the Malaysian contingent to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil from withdrawing for fear of the Zika Virus.

OCM president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said athletes who had qualified to Rio can make their own decision as to withdraw or participate in the Olympics scheduled from Aug 5-21.

"Athletes can decide whether they want to go or not because we cannot force them. We can replace them (athletes) if its allowed in the respective sports.

"For us, we will follow what the IOC's (International Olympic Committee) decision. I am sure Brazil as the organiser will ensure the conditions and venues are under control," he told to the reporters after chairing an OCM Olympic Selection Committee here today.

READ: No plans to move Rio Olympics, Brazil officials say

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a current statement had rejected a call to move or postpone the Rio Olympic Games over the Zika outbreak.

WHO said it would "not significantly alter" the spread of the virus, which is linked to serious birth defects.

READ: Olympics: Extra-strong condoms for Aussie team

About 150 international scientists, doctors and medical ethicists from such institutions wrote an open letter to the WHO calling for the games in Rio de Janeiro to be moved or delayed due to the outbreak.

Between February and April 2016, Brazil's Health Ministry registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus and the number of babies born with Zika-linked defects stood at 4,908 in April.

So far, 22 athletes have qualified for the Games on merit, namely Khairul Anuar Mohamad (Archery), Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Fatehah Mustapa (Cycling), Ooi Tze Liang, Cheong Jun Hoong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Pandelela Rinong, Wendy Ng Yan Yee (Diving), Khairulnizamn Mohd Affendy, Nur Shazrin Latiff (Sailing) Johnathan Wong Guanjie (Shooting), Welson Sim (Swimming), Nauraj Singh (Athletics) and Mohd Hafifi Mansor (Weightlifting).

READ: Malaysia not withdrawing from Rio Olympics

In badminton, national ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei, men's doubles pair Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong, mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying, women's singles Tee Jing Yi, women's doubles pair Vivian Hoo/Woon Khe Wei have also qualified.

Tunku Imran said the national contingent can send nine more athletes in four sports to the Rio Olympics under the country quota.