ISLAMABAD, July 26: Pakistan’s only male swimmer at the Commonwealth Games has “disappeared” from the national team, leaving the country high and dry, an official said Friday.

“It is disgraceful that swimmer Abid Hussain has disappeared from the Pakistan camp and we will definitely take action if he doesn’t return,” Pakistan Sports Board director Brig Saulat Abbas told AFP.

“His parents have signed a bond of one million rupees (16,500 dollars) assuring he will return after the Games.”

Abbas said the Board was contemplating legal action if the athlete did not return to the national squad.

Abbas received information from Pakistani officials in Britain that Hussain had disappeared from the camp on Wednesday. He was the only male swimmer from Pakistan and now the country will not be able to compete in men’s swimming.

Pakistan’s sports ministry had made it mandatory for all athletes and officials to sign an indemnity bond as an insurance against any defections.

It was forced to take the action after several embarrassing disappearances during foreign tours, apparently by athletes seeking a better life abroad.

A Pakistani football player, Nasir Iqbal, went underground during a tour of Britain last year. Four boxers and a hockey team goalkeeper defected in Australia and the United States at the last two Olympics in 2000 and 1996.

A 14-member football team disappeared in Japan in 1994.

Pakistan’s 75-member contingent expects little at the Manchester Games, with boxers and the field hockey team the only medal hopefuls.—AFP