New Delhi: The world`s top-ranked golfer Jason Day on Tuesday withdrew from August`s Rio de Janeiro Olympics, citing fears over the Zika virus.


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"The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife`s future pregnancies and to future members of our family," the Australian said in a statement posted on Twitter.


"While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family. I will not place them at risk," the 28-year-old Day added.


Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, but a number of big names, including four-times major champion Rory McIlroy, Fiji`s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, have pulled out due to Zika concerns.


The mosquito-borne Zika virus can cause crippling birth defects and, in adults, has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre. Controversy over the Aug.5-21 Games has grown as more about the disease becomes known.