Wellington, Sep 24 (IANS) New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Friday said he would go to Delhi based on the information he has received so far from the Indian capital.
Key received an update on the security in Delhi Thursday night and said the decision to send the New Zealand team still rests with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC).
He said he would go if he gets choose his own sport.
‘Yeah, if I could pick my own sport, yeah I would go,’ Key was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.
‘Obviously, the Olympic Committee feels that they need a bit more time before they can make a final call on the team’s participation.’
The prime minister earlier said he would be disappointed if the Delhi Games were not a success and support the Kiwi athletes who would not want to attend the event.
But Friday he said it is unlikely the New Zealand team would pull out on its own.
‘It’s very unlikely that New Zealand would pull out on its own. If we are likely to not send our team, then it will be because a large number of like-minded countries form the same view.’
Key said the athletes have put in so much time and energy and it will be sad if they miss the Games.
‘It is heart-breaking for them if they can’t go.’
He said everyone very much wanted to go but it would ultimately it boil down to security, safety and hygienic living conditions in all Games’ Venues.
Earlier in the day, cyclist Greg Henderson became the first New Zealand athlete to pull out of the Games over health and security fears.
