India will forgo representation in the Mr. Gay World competition this year after the country's entrant, 28-year-old part-time model and fashion designer Thahir Mohammed Sayyed, succumbed to the pressure of his homophobic community and withdrew.

DNA India reports that Sayyed, who refused to speak with reporters over the phone, made the decision after getting specific threats of violence against him and his family. As of Tuesday, the entire family went into hiding.

Speaking with the magazine via private message on social media, Sayyed said:

"I am withdrawing from the contest. I hope the organisers appreciate the difficulties I faced. I cannot take this pressure. I have switched off my phone to prevent getting any unwanted calls."

Promotion of the pageant, which aims to combat homophobia by showing exemplary gay men from different cultures around the world, apparently brought undue stress on Sayyed. He says after DNA front-paged his intention to compete, he was "prevented from praying at the local mosque and threatened with ostracism."

Pressed further about what exactly he'd experienced in his community, Sayyed said, "talking about this will only worsen things."

Related: Indian Government Bans Film Featuring Lesbian Relationship, Says It May “Ignite Unnatural Passions”

A statement from Coenie Kukkuk, Mr. Gay World's director in Africa, called Sayyed's withdrawal regrettable but understandable:

"India has been very active in this competition, we really wanted him to share his story with all through MGW 2015. It's really sad that his family has been threatened. Sayyed's withdrawal is 100% understandable. We wish him strength and safety in this situation."

Mr. Gay World will go on without Indian representation in Cape Town and Knysna, South Africa, April 29 - May 3. You can check out profiles of each of the remaining contestants at the Mr. Gay World YouTube page.