The organisers of the Mr Gay World 2015 — an international pageant for gay men — on Tuesday expressed concern over the safety of the lone Indian entrant after he withdrew from the contest following alleged threats to himself and his family.

Thahir Mohammed Sayyed, a part-time model in Brisbane, has pulled out of the event following alleged threats of ostracism to his family in Kochi.

Mr. Sayyed would have been the only contestant from Asian countries among 20 others at a week-long event starting this Sunday to choose the winner in Knysna, South Africa.

According to organisers, Mr. Sayyed, feared his religious parents in India would be ostracised.

Eric Butter, who together with Dean Nelson started Mr Gay World in 2009, said the event was created precisely to combat homophobia, which appeared to have denied Mr. Sayyed his opportunity.