Two Canadian athletes pull out of CWG

The spate of withdrawals from the Delhi Commonwealth Games continued with Canadian diver Meaghan Benfeito and badminton player Alvin Lau becoming the latest to opt out of the event citing contrasting reasons.

Canada will have a 400-strong presence in the October 3 to 14 Games which includes athletes, coaches and support staff.

While Benfeito has pulled out because of a shoulder injury, the 25-year-old Lau has cited university commitments, local media reported in Toronto.

The duo joins archers Kevin Tataryn and Dietmar Trillus, who cited health and security fears, in the list of Canadian withdrawals from the Games.

The 21-year-old Benfeito was to participate in two events -- the 10-metre platform and the 10-metre platform synchro -- with teammate Roseline Filion.

Benfeito will be replaced by Rachel Kemp.

"Meaghan's withdrawal will definitely affect our medal potential in both the women's 10m individual and 10m synchro events," Mitch Geller, the chief technical officer for Diving Canada, said in a statement.

"However, Canada does boast incredible depth on women's tower, and we are confident that Rachel will work hard to help maintain Canada's reputation as a leading Commonwealth nation in diving.

"We will still be aiming for nine diving medals, but achieving this goal will now be more challenging."

Lau, who attends the University of British Columbia, will not be replaced in the badminton team.

"It's unfortunate that Alvin will be unable to attend the Commonwealth Games, but we understand the academic standards being enforced at UBC," said Kyle Hunter, Badminton Canada's executive director.

"We have made some adjustments to the pairings and our athletes are looking forward to competing in what is a very strong field."

The first batch of Canadian athletes has already reached Delhi for the event.