"The results of these discussions which we had together with the organizers and the WHO was that all the NOCs are welcome to these Games. There is no ban or sanction. We left it then to the relevant NOCs to make their own decisions.

"With regard to the athletes being present we had to take some precautionary measures, which affected three athletes. In accordance with all the medical advice we got it would not be advisable to have athletes from affected countries competing in combat sports or swimming.

"Those athletes could participate in all the other events of the YOG. They could live in the Village, follow the Cultural Education Program and if my information is correct, you will see one of those athletes carrying the flag of his nation tonight into the stadium," Bach added.