Doha waters off-limits to Asian Games hopefuls

SINGAPORE, Oct 16 (Reuters) Yachtsmen looking to gain a little local knowledge of the waters around Doha ahead of December's Asian Games have been told to wait until they begin.

There would be no sailing at any of the official venues until two days before the December 1-15 event, Games officials have ruled.

Malaysia's squad had hoped to get in some practice at the Doha Sailing and Rowing Club by arriving early, but were given a firm rebuttal.

''The venue is off-limits to all teams so we will have to launch our boats from another venue,'' team manager Lawrence Yeow said on the Games official Web site.

A regional regatta in Kuwait a fortnight before the Games will provide valuable practice on the waters of the Gulf.

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