London, Aug 22: Asafa Powell, defending 100m champion, may not participate in Commonwealth Games 2010, which has been marred by withdraws by star athletes and corruption allegations.

Former world record holder Asafa Powell's agent told that the fitness issues coupled with the timing of the Commonwealth Games and it may rules out Powell defending his 100m gold in Delhi. Powell had pulled out of recent meetings in Stockholm, London, Paris and Zurich due to injuries to his groin, back and hamstring.

"A final decision is imminent, but it's looking extremely unlikely at best that Asafa will be in India," said Powell's agent Paul Doyle.

"For him, just as for Usain, the next two-year cycle means everything and he doesn't want anything, such as his pre-season being put back, or his injuries flaring up again, to affect this," he added.

Earlier the three time Olympic gold medallist swimmer, Stephanie Rice also dropped out from the event due to an injury.

Powell joints the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton and World heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis in pulling out of the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

OneIndia News