Malaysian archers target gold from cold in Qatar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Reuters) Malaysian archers are relying on icy fingers in their bid for medals at the Doha Asian Games.

National coach Lee Jae-hyung has ordered his archers to dip their hands in buckets of ice so they get accustomed to expected cold temperatures in Qatar's Al Wusayl Complex, about 20km north of Doha.

''It will be cold and windy in Doha during the Games, but we are not able to simulate the conditions here,'' the Korean was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.

''As such, the next best thing we can do is get the athletes to face conditions that will be somewhat similar.

''I want them to experience what it will be like in chilly conditions. They might experience numbness in their hands because of the cold.'' The average temperature at the complex during December is 15 degrees Celsius , according to the Asian Games official Web site, compared to 24 degrees in Doha.

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