Four Indian fencers, coach diagnosed with swine flu

New Delhi: Four Indian fencers and a coach have tested positive for swine flu on their return home from an international competition in Singapore.

A 34-strong Indian team returned on Wednesday after participating in the Junior Asian and Cadet Championship (July 15-21) and the members were screened for swine flu. They had to wait for 48 hours for the results of the tests.

"Five members tested positive and they were quarantined at the the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital," Fencing Association of India secretary-general Arun Kumar Vij said.

"The hospital doctors have said the flu was at the initial stages and the five members have been kept under observation. They are likely to be released on Monday," he said.

"Since they were on an international flight, it is quite possible that they might have been infected by some traveller."

Vij was happy with the performance of the team.

"They came close to winning two-three medals and that was an achievement considering that our players had gone on an international event after almost three years as the government seldom clears our trips overseas."