The British Olympic Association is to reword the contract of athletes competing at the Beijing Games after being accused of trying to ban remarks about China’s human rights record.

A draft version of the agreement — which usually governs matters such as kit, travel and the sort of behaviour expected from those representing their country — contained an instruction that athletes should not “comment on any politically sensitive issues” while in China.

Human rights activists were outraged. Tim Hancock, of Amnesty International, said that it was up to the athletes to decide what to think and say.

Simon Clegg, of the association, said that it had not intended to go beyond the requirements of the Olympic charter — which bars demonstrations and propaganda — “nor is it our desire to restrict freedom of speech, and the final agreement will reflect this”.

Jeremy Hunt, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “People should remember that the home of the Olympics is also the home of democracy and free speech.”

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